Face Of Cheam

So, first gig of the year. Was able to get a First Connect direct to Kings Cross. I do enjoy coming up to Blackfriars on this line where you can see most of London's famous landmarks, The wheel, St Pauls, Houses Of Parliament etc. Had time for a couple of pints before, firstly in the Carpenters Arms where I'm pleased to say they still do Double Diamond (or DD) and Toby! The DD was £2.40. Couple of people in there were playing darts too showing how fashionable the game is getting. Heading back to the venue I head in the Lucas Arms. Fairly pleasant, screen showing the Plymouth game and I manage to win a couple of quid on the Bullseye machine. Off to the venue then.



Id forgotton what a great small venue the Water Rats is. Bar outside, and then walk through some double doors and your 15 yards away from the stage with a step down (ie raised bit at the back). Support were a band called Envy & Other Sins. They were surprisingly good for a support. Jnagling bouncy indie. Nothing too memorable but good enough to see them if they supported anyone else.
The Sounds were the main act. Hailing fron Sweden their new album (UK release in March) was produced by the same guy who has done The Killers. Electric guitars hooks with Keys prominant and a female singer this was good loud rocky stuff. Fortuanately I have their latest album on import so knew some of the tracks. Somewhat disappointingly half their set was older stuff from their Swedish only albums. Still Painted By Numbers, Song With A Mission and Queen of Apology are all strong bouncy songs. Definately recommend the album to people and will see them again when they do a full British tour in March playing the Islington Academy. As I left the venue after their 50 minute set I saw their black tour bus with red writing saying 'the rock bus'. Very Spinal Tap!