The Divide / Violet Violet
Week 3 - 3rd March 2005
By Sharkey

Just notice before I go on with the review.

These reviews are just mine (and other reviewers) opinions on the night and are not anything to do with the score’s or the judges results.

Sorry for the slight rant; I’ll get on with the fabulous night with 'The Divide' and 'Violet Violet'

The Divide
First up for the night was the incredible The Divide. This band seemed to radiate everything that was needed for being a successful rock band. Usually I’m very critical about typical rock bands in this area trying to be more than they are but The Divide pulled it off magnificently putting everything into their performance. These guys are real rock stars.

The bands sound seemed to play around most genre’s of rock, ranging from some classic hair metal to a bluesy rock. A good diversity of songs (mostly original) that all seemed to fit in with their sound and style.

The lead singer had a brilliant stage presence, talking to the crowd regardless of their response back. Donned in all black clothes and shades he really pulled off a good show for the crowd. It was also nice to see a keyboard played in the band (a much under-rated instrument in my opinion).

The guitarists, what can I say. I was outstanded by the skill of playing from both guitarists. The guitarist on the right with the white guitar sounding like a cross between Steve Vai and Ritchie Kotzen whilst the other guitarist sticking to the more bluesy Stevie Ray Vauhn-ish sound (apologies for spelling). The right guitarist even transferred to the keyboards a some points and pulled off some amazing keyboard solo’s.

At one point the lead singer pulled out a cow-bell for one song and repeatedly hit it to the tune of a dark metal song whilst shouting “We laugh at the face of death”. Reminding me of the Alice cooper kind of showmanship, leering at the crowd with his shades (“To protect my eyes from the sun, singlasses” he chants). He even used a harmonica for the blues songs, although for the song you wouldn’t think it would fit in, but it did. A prime example that you don’t have to stick to the traditional instruments.

I can imagine that (if they were signed) this is a band that are better live than recorded, it’s just a show that you have to see to get the full feel of the band.
They had an excellent stage presence fitting in with their style of music and pulling off a marvellous show for the crowd. They had the live impact that some bands lack (even signed bands) with the atmosphere to match.

The Interlude
I’m not going to go too much into the idiot that walked on stage and shouted into the mic. Idiots like that should not be cheered for, it spoils the sense of atmosphere. Simons blow up guitars made another appearance alongside the glow sticks and even a blow up shark (which he’s been trying to sell me for ages). After I had my share of coffee we go on to...

Violet Violet
This all girl group certainly made an impact on stage, to guys and girls likewise. Dressed up in seductive maids outfits, provoking the hollering and cat calls from the crowd, needless to say I won’t go too much into their costume’s as you can see yourself by the picture’s (and I know some of you will be saving them for future reference). But they did appeal to the girls in the audience stating “We don’t care how we look, this one’s for all the girls out there!” but came back to their male teasing with the phrase “We’re not used to Yarmouth so treat us gently…”.

The sound of their set did sound like the typical female punk group. A cross between Jack Off Jill's playful tone’s and Kittie’s aggressiveness. All the songs in their set were originals and provided us with a set list. The song names were very akin to the songs themselves (26p [virginity], Jason’s A Dick Lucy’s A Bitch were some of the song titles).
In my opinion all the songs were well thought out especially the parts where all instruments were stripped away and left with just vocal harmonies. They were energetic and best of all fun, not what I expected when I first saw them (although to be honest I wasn’t sure what to expect).

A good thing about there set was the use of the synthesiser. No bands with keyboardists that I know of use the dark synth sounds, they always stick to traditional instruments like piano or organs. But the keyboardist branched out into the alternative sounds. Now for some songs people might say that the keyboard sounded like a cat stuck up a tree trying to work out how to use a suppository, but I liked it. It added edge to the performance and added a distinctive tone to their set.

Although the VV girls have said that they are not really a punk group they defiantly come across with the punk sense of style. The “I don’t give a f***” radiating out from the lead singer, despite the posh accent to tease the blokes.
It’s nice to see some all-girl groups out there as they are much needed (many people will agree with me on that one). Violet Violet pulled off a great show.

Well that’s all from me this week, next week is Kunk vs Ornate Purpose!

Jo writes:

I turned up a little late this week but the sound that accosted my ears when I got in there was damn good. Pretty much everything about The Divide struck me as rockin’ – nice variety of songs, some old-skool for the fogey in all of us, including a couple of well executed covers; and let’s not forget the pub-backroom leathery décor. The singer carried himself well – although I always enjoy a little more eye-contact – and while the band didn’t move too much, they certainly carried the air of a very experienced professional group. Kudos to the guitar/keyboardist – I would have shook your hand afterwards, if I hadn’t been so busy trying to get the numbers of the Violet Violet girls. Anyway: The Divide, rock and roll that’s cool enough to be out of your dad’s old LP collection. Two thumbs up.

“Cool beans!” - Daniel, the emo boy
“Great comedy value!” - Granny (not my actual granny btw)

And onto the aforementioned ladies: Violet Violet definitely looked the part. The sound of men’s flybuttons hitting the ceiling was deafening as they stepped out in the maids’ outfits… but sadly it became apparent that this four-piece didn’t have the panache of the previous band. Their fem-rock influences had little sway with the crowd; indeed the vocals were a bit screechy and occasionally out of sync with the accompaniment. I could pick out no well-known covers from their fairly short set - full marks for the songs about lesbians, though.

I have lamented the lack of girls in bands for years, and especially instrumentalists, but I personally believe Violet Violet would greatly benefit from some intensive rehearsal. I mean no offence, ladies – after all, you did look stunning.

“They were good! Looook! They gave me a shiny red plec! Shiny red!”
– Kaylee
“They should stick to cleaning houses not playing in a band…”
– Bob Scratchit

Add Your Comments

Any written material published on this review is not a direct reflection by the judges or event organisers.

The reviews listed are an opinion by the individual carrying out the review which happens to be a personal and honest account. These reviews are displayed on this website for the bands to obtain some truthful feedback on their performance. There is no point in us posting dishonest reviews here, as this will not benefit the bands who are looking for advice and constructive feedback.