shabtone Posted Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 3:31pm
Blimey!! I'd been so excited about this since it was announced, and I wasn't disappointed in the slightest. On one hand I couldn't believe the massiveness on such a small stage in such a small venue, and couldn't help feeling it was such a shame that more weren't there to enjoy it.
On the other hand, I felt honoured to be sharing it with just a few, and it made it more special in a way.
Such an enormous sound, and such energy on stage from everyone just makes it so infectious and you can't help but be swept away by it.
I was so pleased to get the setlist so I could see what they played after Vanity Kills - I Wish My Daddy...I loved it!
I loved it all to be honest!
I managed to catch Ross afterwards and asked him to sign it - not only did he do that, but he took it away for a few minutes then brought it back to me signed by everyone else too! What a gent.
Also had a nice chat with Lou who is clearly loving it, although perhaps not so much being stuck in a tour bus with the rest of them!!
Hope I get the chance to see them again - absolute class act.
chrisandhelen Posted Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 5:45pm
One day you will be able to say "I was there" when they played an intimate gig at the Cockpit in front of 40 or so fans. Because after last night they won't be playing here again. This musically talented group are destined for stardom just like Jon's other venture.
Considering a lot of the music was new to us, it seemed like an old friend displaying a smooth fusion of sounds from the Roaring Thirties to the guitar edginess of a Sixties Rock Band or maybe even Led Zeppelin.
If you are one of the 40 then you will know what I mean, and if you aren't then you really don't know what you missed.....
hoorayforhollywood Posted Sunday, November 22, 2009 at 6:38pm
Stunning! Those who were there know how amazing it was. Those who weren't will never know what they missed.
I'd love to tell everyone to be here next time you come to town - sadly, I doubt you will be in somewhere as small as this ever again - you certainly deserve not to be.
Simply, the best thing I have seen all year.
Thank you
TonyR Posted Monday, November 23, 2009 at 10:05am
Speaking honestly, I wasn't as excited as Shabtone (above) who happens to be my wife until getting my hands on the album this week as I wasn't sure if the CVC were going to be my cup of tea. Just because I adore The Fratellis it didn't mean I was going to like this band, but one listen to the album I knew I was going to be wrong. After all a great songwriter like Jon, combined with a voice like Lou's, combined with such a great band is a recipe for success.
It felt strange after seeing the Fratellis in larger venue being half killed at the front to being in such a small room, but as we kept having to remind ourselves, the band haven't even had a single out yet so this is the norm.
Anyway, I digress, the entire set was wonderful. So much to look at & listen to, that's if you could tear your eyes away from the mentalist drummer.
Every song sounded great (after they turned Lou's vocal up) and the unheard 'My Daddy' was instantly brilliant. 'I Would Bring You Roses', 'Little Sister' & 'The Black Rose' re-established themselves as my album favourites and the cover of 'Gimme Shelter' did exactly what the cover of 'Resurrection' did, bettered the original.
I hope they don't remain a secret for too long, this gig would be a terrific 'I was there when...' moment for the future.
Thanks all for a great night.
PressReview Posted Thursday, November 26, 2009 at 6:58pm
Source: www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk
When bands take a break to pursue solo side projects, few can stand proudly alongside the original act. However, in Codeine Velvet Club Jon Lawler (better known to many as Jon Fratelli) has hit upon something rather special.
His decision to team up with fellow Island Records colleague Lou Hickey has led to something that, in many ways, could be more appealing to music fans than the Fratellis themselves.
Considering the low-key nature of the band's release, a surprisingly ample crowd gathered to hear this selection of memorable tunes.
The musical arrangements found a perfect balance of styles, producing a varied set.
Ranging from Fratellis soft-rock, through the echoing sixties chimes of the Last Shadow Puppets, to an almost modern Motown feel, Codeine Velvet Club displayed the kind of musical diversity that captures a far-ranging audience.
Lawler and Hickey's vocals seem to have been made for each other's and they seamlessly exchange solos before uniting for perfectly harmonic choruses.
Tracks to watch out for are the singles Hollywood and Vanity Kills, but expect the album to draw you in. There is a real chemistry in the band and it would be surprising if CVC didn't see greater success.
A refreshing sound that unite the indie and pop crowds, Codeine Velvet Club seem to have the balance just about perfect.
Reviewer: Adam Sewell