Dan Ormsby, the creative centre of this local outfit, introduces us to 4 or 5 Magicians by kneeling over his effects pedals, crushing the rising guitars and drums with a swooping, swirling barrier of feedback. One he rises the band settle into their usual stream of catchy melodies and frantic drumming, heavily influenced by the 80s and 90s American alternative scene, drawing main comparison to the likes of the iconic Guided by Voices and Pavement.

Since formation in October 2005 the band has frequently altered its lineup, but 2009 bought an intention to progress with a fixed live lineup. This set up includes songwriter Dan Ormsby (vocals and guitar), Sam Clarke (bass), Graham Pembrey (guitar and keyboards), and Alex Wilkinson (drums).

The decision to stick with one live outfit seems to have paid off tonight with an incredibly tight performance. The key to this was Alex, whose drumming stole the show. The eye often lingered on his hard hitting, frantic snare style, which held the band together well and really pushed them forward. Another highly impressive aspect, which has in the past drawnn plaudits from the likes of Huw Stephens and NME, is the relentless catchyness of the melodies. These are never ending, and could easily have continue well past last orders and keep working there ways into ears drums through the turn of the year.

On the down side, one disappointment was the vocal level. This left the lyrical content out of reach, an aspect eagerly anticipated and, yet another, which has gained many a rave review.

Lets hope 4 or 5 Magicains will continue to progress in 2010 and move from being ‘hotly tipped’ to the bedroom speakers of every slacker in the country.

Upcoming Shows:

19 Oct 2009 20:00 BRIGHTON Oxjam @ Hanbury Ballroom w/ Le Band Extraordinaire, Dry Riser, Left Hand Red
27 Oct 2009 20:00 LONDON White Heat @ Madame JoJos (our album launch party!) w/ Japandroids, William

Hoopla! is an improvised comedy show akin to Whose Line Is It Anyway? but with better jokes and a much more attractive compere than Clive Anderson. Zany, poetic and contemporary, the hour of entertainment flies by.

Audience participation in the Scottish capital proved to be somewhat difficult and a translator was brought in to decipher the local accent for the Southern performers. The audience is an integral part of the show and everyone is encouraged to join in by interrupting with new instructions and ideas.

The tram works in Edinburgh became a popular audience suggestion for satire and the eventual scene involved Keanu Reeves looking for Sandra Bullock on a German tram which couldn’t go below 20 miles an hour. Another audience favourite turned out to be “George” – an amalgam of all the actors who spoke and moved as one. The audience had to converse with the “Geolography” teacher in unison which was really difficult and led to some unexpected responses.

A personal preference was for the Disney World abduction scene which took the participants on a journey through the underground vaults beneath the California resort.

The great thing with improvisation is, the whole show will be different every day and so you can return again and again especially since the production incorporates a rotating cast of 16 talented young performers.

The show is free but contributions are happily accepted to cover running costs and expenses. Be warned though, a diet coke at Fingers Piano Bar cost £2. Click here for more details about the show.

Tyne & Wear Museums has some news for you and over the next few months there is going to be a host of events that you need to have in your little black books. Most important of all is the reopening of the world famous Hancock Museaum on 23rd May 2009!

For us at The New Current there is nothing better than supporting all sorts of creative people and they don’t get any more creative than father and sons Gordon, Andrew & Philip. Three local artists who have passion and talent that is evident in all of their work. We recommend you take time out to go see their exhibition at The Art Works Galleries till the end of April.