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Forthcoming
Silverman
Dates:
Watch This Space
If you want any more info or discount fliers mail
us.
Live Reviews:
Telling it like it is. Good,
bad or indifferent. Bullshit free gig reviews.
Sun 20th July - Ashton Court Festival - Bristol - Review
courtesy of Venue
'Darlings of
the MP3 generation, but as yet unsigned. This should change all that. Beautiful
and anguished - sweeping symphonies, trip-hop and dub beats, and Anna Dennis's
yearning vocals.'
Sun 29th June - Cheltenham - Calmer*
Glastonbury
Schmastonbury give us Calmer* any day. Generous to a fault we stepped in at late
notice due to Jamie Lawson getting stuck in Ireland. Glad to be of service.
Another fab Calmer* night. Kim Bunn was gentle and beautiful, Chris Cundy was
exotic and eccentric we were us which made Jason want to cry. Did a new song: 'I
can't love you anymore'. You heard it here first.
Fri 27th June - Oxford -Oriel College Summer Ball
Now That's What
We Call A Ball. Free champagne cocktail bar, a Queen tribute band and a couple
of top hats. Played well, sounded good, enjoyed it. Thank you Philip. You've got
good ears.
Sat 21st June - Cheltenham - Glos Uni Summer Ball
Hmmmmm. Weirdly
subdued event in spite of/because of Mr Sneddon's headline and a general typical
Cheltenham student half arsed half brain Jock tip. Fair play U.E. you try for
them. The Cuban Heels rocked. V G tick. Best band we've seen around here in
ages, we fancy you. We did our 3am cross channel ferry bar best. 'All that's
missing is the sea........... ' Not.
Sat 14th June - Bristol - Lakota with Soma
A big bad club
with a big bad reputation hanging heavily round it's neck. Gonna be tough work
clawing it's way back from drug/gun hell into the affections of the gig
going public of Bristol. Thanks to Daisy and Soma for the gig. They were great.
That girl's got a hell of a voice.
Fri 13th June - Bath - Bath Spa
Uni Summer Ball
Yeah. Not bad. Chiffon the
rocks. Thanks Di.
May 9th - Oxford Pembroke College Ball *
Never played in
a bike shed before. Everyone seemed to have a good time though we've decided to
try and avoid Labatts Ice on riders in future. It's unnatural and has physically
damaging consequences. Thanks to Richard Joyce for having the ears/taste to book
us.
May 6th - Warwick Uni
Warwick rocks.
Up there with the best of them. In spite of their lunatic fringe (don't ask) the
students and SU @ Warwick are absolute quality. At the risk of repeating
ourselves.....Fabulous venue, sound
system and regular provision of quality bands. Enthusiastic, enthusiastic,
enthusiastic, bright, switched on yoof. We'll be back soon hopefully.
Thanks for a classic night y'all.
May 2nd - Cheltenham - Guerrilla Room *
An anarchic little evening. A
house party gone mad in an alternative alternative kind of way. Thanks for
having us chaps, a pleasure to be involved. You're doing a good thing up there.
March 30th - Calmer * @ Chelt Playhouse
(acoustic set with Caroline Martin)
A pleasure. Caroline
Martin was simply superb. A dark, engaging, humorous talent. A John Peel
fave and signed to Sink and Stove in Bristol (it's enough to make you quite
jealous isn't it) she's going places. Remember the name.
We played 3 new
songs and probably benefited from the pressure of having to get them together
for the gig. Gloria, No Such Word As.... and Tzzzzzzz. Seemed to go down well,
well we enjoyed them :-) Good attendance, very attentive and 'into it' audience.
Calmer rocks.
Well done to
Miles Mann, Mario Vendredi and Jamie
Lawson for their superb Calmer sets @ The Glos Guildhall on Fri 28th.
Amazing atmosphere. Captivating.
Feb 15th - Oxford - Bullingdon
The theme of
odd and interesting audiences continues. Pitched into a club scene straight out
of Buffy (canes, black tears, uber Goth) we weren't sure what we'd let ourselves
in for. Got a result. All had a ball. We'll be back.
Jan 31st - Gloucester - Guildhall + Lorna - Calmer *
We're back doin'
Calmer, the UK's best acoustic night. The best new bands playing the best new
songs at two of the best venues around - Gloucester Guildhall and The Cheltenham
Playhouse see the news page for info on
forthcoming events. Mark and Sharon came down for Nottingham for the first in
this years Calmer dates. Fabulous, sublime Lorna. We did our thing and though we
say so ourselves it sounded great :-) A pleasure to meet the metal babies from
the Brunswick. All kinds of people seem to relate to our music especially those
really into their music, very satisfying
Jan 30th - London - Borderline
Another top
Borderline night. The fact that we'd hardy rehearsed added a certain nervous
energy :-) Wouldn't fancy doing that too often mind. Amy Wadge was good, infact
we've booked her to play at Calmer at the Cheltenham Playhouse on April 27th
with Louis Eliot
Sun 22nd Dec - Cheltenham - Boom
One of our rare
home town gigs. A pleasure to do one with such a big crowd and decent sound
system. There were a lot of people who either hadn't seen us before or at least
seen us for a long time and so many old friends that were great to see. It felt
good having played such a lot of gigs this year putting in a confident and
assured performance. Other than the guitar sound fuck up at the end of Nothing I
Do we had a killer night. Thanks to Lorna for coming down and playing an
acoustic set, it's ok Pete, you're secret's safe here (or should I say Gere) and
Vintage Chimps.
Friday 20th Dec - Gloucester - Guildhall * - with the Bays
An acoustic set
in one of the best venues in the area. Having seen Radiohead, Mogwai, Ariel M
and enjoyed a load of great Nilon Bombers shows there it was good to be
back. Almost worked. We played well and had a good sound on the acoustic
stage in the main hall. Dan Pierce put in a beautiful set and we followed. The
Bays did their thing. A few more people there and we'd have had a happening
thing. Thanks to Al for having the balls for putting it together.
Sun 1st Dec - Worcester - Marrs Bar
Another classic Marrs Bar
night. Thanks to Zoo in a kinda Berlin art teacher kind of way and of course
Lorna.
Thurs 28th Nov - University of the West Of England
Hmmmm..........not great.
Tues 26th Nov Warwick Uni
Felt like a
proper gig this one. Possibly our favourite night to date. Fabulous venue, sound
system and regular provision of quality bands. Enthusiastic, enthusiastic,
enthusiastic, bright, switched on yoof. Went down a storm and the message board
has been buzzing with positive vibes. The sooner we're back the better. A fridge
full of beers tends to leave a good impression too.
Mon 25th Nov - Bath Spa Uni
Decent night. Bit of a surgical
strike as we got in, played first and got out quick so as not to overstay our
welcome (and have to listen to too much dodgy metal). No offence Flint, just not
our kind of thing.
Sat 23rd Nov Cheltenham Glos Uni. Pittville
Campus
Art College bar
acoustic gig. Mario Vendredi supported in his unique Hopeitaliandic stylish way.
The guy's an amazing talent. An ATM in the bar is always good for cd sales
and the those that sought found.
Thurs 21st Nov - London - Bush Hall
Wonderful
venue. Kind, keen and appreciative promoters. Jamie Lawson was good too. The
perfect sort of place to catch a Silverman acoustic show. Suits us. We'll be
back.
Sat 16th Nov - Oxford - The Jam Factory
Utter shite.
Shan't be back. Oxford is proving a difficult nut to crack. Come on Zodiac ffs
give us a break.
Friday 1st Nov - Leicester - Sumo - Roadworks Tour
Really good night. Martin, Anna
and Steve doing a few acoustic songs. Tom Baxter, Louis Elliot and Lincoln were
all excellent. Friendly bunch playing great songs. Thanks y'all, and thanks to
Dave Manders for the break.
Thurs 31st Oct - Swansea - Psychos/Monkey Club
Yeah...ok. Not great not
crap.
Weds 23rd Oct - Bath - Moles/Porter
Time to retire
our aged and tired old fan. Plugged it in and tripped the stage power. Oooops.
Got there in the end and once power had been restored and the smashed, Vodaphone
sponsored, Aphex Twin calendar floor show had slipped off into the night all was
love and peace. Hmmmm....... I think we're starting to pull.
Tues 22nd Oct - Bristol - Fleece & Firkin
The best Fleece gig yet, infact
one of our best gigs anywhere. Cool crowd, great sound. We were very much 'on
it'. Of course we're far too cool to do encores......except for tonight :-)
Thanks to Dalmaine for being such a good band and decent guys.
Two fabulous gigs in a row.
What's going on?
Weds 16th Oct - London - Water Rats
Great venue.
Small but perfectly formed. Definitely one of the best London shows we've done
recently. The end of darling darling evolves magnificently. Good to catch up
with Rolo and George, Ben in recovery from his Coldplay exertions, Guinness man
and the gobby girl down the front. The puppies were hot as were the Hot Puppies.
Next London show is at Bush Hall 310 Uxbridge Road, London, W12 7LJ on Nov 21st.
Really looking forward to it.
Tues 15th Oct - Oxford Borders
Never been paid
in book tokens before. God we're so bleeding edge. Back in Oxford on the 16th
Nov @ The Jam Factory
Thurs 10th Oct - London School of Economics
Well when
someone in the psychedelic space prog Southern Electrics told us they'd been
told that 250 advance tickets had been sold our experience/cynicism should have
told us better. The 40 or so people fortunate enough to witness our set would
(though we say so ourselves) have enjoyed a mixed bag of sub bass feedback,
stroppy chairobics and a beautiful blistering brief vast Silverman set.
Tues 8th Oct - Gloucester - Guildhall
A beautiful room is the cinema
at the Guildhall, the whole setup there offering a facility and ambition that
puts Cheltenham to absolute shame. Intimate, reflective and chilled, just like a
Silverman acoustic show should be. We'll be running a Calmer night there from
the end of Jan. Looking forward to it.
Sun 6th Oct - Swindon Lava Lounge
Swindon Swindon
Swindon. What is it about Swindon? We squeezed an acoustic performance
between two of Paradox's teenage metal wankout sets and left. Short and
sour.
Thurs 3rd Oct - London Borderline
A quiet night
on the Country & Western front. Nice to have a pint with Madonna though.
Tues 1st Oct - London - Betsey
Trotwood
Like 'Being
John Malcovich' but not as funny and with a much smaller cast. A sequel is
unlikely.
Sun 15th Sept - Manchester - 42nd
Street
Manchester In
The City. Love it. Almost two years to the day since our first live performance.
Ten million bands at three thousand venues crammed into three or four nights.
Bit of a stress out (you know the score, running late, technical difficulties,
other 'hot' band playing across town) but we're learning to deal with the
bullshit and got there in the end. Put in a big performance, everyone on their
game and the out front sound was superb. Thanks to Jay and Bonebox
for sharing their backline.
Mon 9th Sept - London - Borderline
Damien Rice support. Guitarist
Paul eventually managing to turn up half way through the second song of a
tactically rearranged set. Piss poor traffic and the lack of an A-Z proving the
enemy. All's swell that end's swell. We had a swell time, there's a lot worse
ways to spend half an hour than playing to a room full of Damien Rice fans. They
got it, they know a good thing when the see it.
Sat 10th Aug Nottingham - Heavenly Social - afternoon
Weird afternoon acoustic show. Good
to see Johnny the shaker and his band Manatee. They were excellent. Poor turn
out and generally weak vibe that we attempted to ignore through the age old
technique of drinking loads. Made it back to Cheltenham in time for a few late
ones and a bit of falling about.
Sun 28th July - Worcester - The Marrs Bar
Can't go wrong with the Marrs Bar,
we gush and glow endlessly in other Marrs Bar reviews (see below). Suffice to
say that this was up there with the best of them.
A bitching hot day (not
complaining!!!!) poor Lorna had already had to endure a pathetically attended
Calmer set earlier in the afternoon. Steve and Martin were knackered having
spent the day in Nottingham finishing the single mix (OUT 23RD SEPT GO GET IT
!!!!!!). Still a wonderful, emotional and sensitive night. Thanks again Marrs
Bar :-)
Fri 26th July London - Borderline Roadworks @ The Borderline
Launch *
We like the Borderline. Boss man
Barry Everett has a great taste in music and is a big fan :-) We'll be back,
Sept, Oct and Nov supporting songwriting legend Tim Rose.
Here's a review of the night by
Mark1 that I found at Clickboardroom.com
Hi The
first ROADWAORKS night was a hot one and a great success. Many familiar faces
and a really good value Happy Hour! so to the music.......
Katy Carr started things off with an ambient set which was further enhanced by
Polly Paulusma - both acts high quality singer/songwriters......but most of us
were here to see the main two acts - and both delivered.
TOBY SLATER - I had never seen him before but had listened to his music from his
website. Great songwriter - and on this showing charismatic performer. Doing
semi-acoustic versions of his material this guy is amazingly good. Stunning
voice, looks good, and the large crowd enjoying every moment. See him if you get
the chance. His anti corporate anthem was greeted by cheers ( must be alot of
old Tip Sheet subscribers in the audience ! ) and only a really top act could
have followed his set.....
SILVERMAN - well believe the hype. Ethereal vocals over a textured backing.
Audience sent into a trance like state of pleasure.....they will be big - they
should be big !
So all in all a great night
Thurs 25th July Swansea Psychos/Monkey Club *
Lovely Swansea. A potentially tough
night with a loudish room that Anna soon silenced. Played well and went down
great. Good to meet Mouse. Thanks to promoter David Sedley for having the balls
and ambition to run the night. We'll be back.
Wed 24th July Birmingham Glee Club * - with Roddy Frame
1st on @ 8.15 to a packed, silent,
seated room. Brilliant. A very acoustic set. Paul was ill so it was down to
Martin, Anna and Stevo to deliver and we did. Enjoyed meeting Hi & Lonesome
who have recently released an album on Db, they're good lads and sound great.
Roddy Frame's solo acoustic set was pretty cool. It was strange how many of his
songs are recognisable.
Thanks Markus we had a great night.
Sat 20th July - Bath - Moles
Holes, dug by little moles, angry jealous
Spies, got telephones for eyes, come t' you as
Friends, all those endless ends, that can't be
Tied, oh they make me laugh, an' always make me
Cry, till they drop like flies, an' sink like polished
Stones, of all the stones i throw, how does that ol' song go
how does that ol' song go...
Thurs 18th July Leicester The Shed - with Lorna -
(thanks to Jim for the review)
Yes, the Shed in Leicester was an
interesting place to be, if somewhat lacking in the volume of humanity that
Silverman deserve to have in attendance when they play. Even Silverman
themselves - bar Alan - were absent for a worrying little while (stuck in
traffic). But if it was a cloud, the silver lining (sorry!) was the chance to
meet Lorna, a really nice bunch of people.
Silverman's belated soundcheck over, we were taken into what seemed a
slowed-down version of 'Can I have My Heart Back Please' which worked well, with
Alan providing some spooky effects. 'Love Me Too' followed. It's almost a
requisite track now, deserving of a larger audience than tonight's. I was just
getting used to the sight of three acoustic guitars in the line-up when Martin
and Paul departed the stage for 'Travel Sick', a song performed for only the
second time live. It took a little while, but then it got to me - a moody, deep,
bassy (bassey??) sort of thing that I wanted to go on.
Paul returned... "Next we're doing 'Eleven Eleven'," said Anna. So it
was 'swallow hard' time - not just because of the lyrics to come, but also
because it's is a powerful track. As it turned out... (well, let's just say the
balance between the keyboards and the vocals wasn't what it normally would be.)
Sadly, despite Martin's return to stage, 'Don't Leave This World Without Me' (a
worthy choice for a forthcoming single, in my opinion) didn't come off at all.
But the band were unruffled by it all, as if putting it down to experience, as
all professionals would do.
They soon returned to their more winning ways with 'Ctrl Alt Del', the masterful
piece where Anna and Martin exchange dark lines which opens and sets the general
mood for 'Speed of Life - Part 2'. Suitably - for it also concludes the album -
they finished off with 'Nothing I Do, Nothing I Say', a rolling, falling,
typically haunting affair which is, in effect, provides something of an open
ending, making you want more...
At least there was Lorna to follow. They're a melodious and harmonious outfit,
dovetailing well with Silverman. But enough. I should put my remarks on their
own site.
So it was a good night. The sort of night that makes you write on... and on...
until the cows come home (or, more likely, the milkman calls - but what the
heck!!) And it was the sort of night when you meet some really nice people, too
- like Jon and his mates, when you share a secret or two about the message board,
talk about Silverman Conventions, about what Rolo and Liam might look like
outside of virtual reality - and about who has (and who hasn't!) yet had a 'hug
and kiss' with Anna...
Wed 17th July Bath Moles/Porter *
Another great night at the Porter.
Bath suits us.
Sat 13th July Cardiff Club Ifor Bach with Tetra
Splendor
Great club. Had a tetra splendid
night and met the tallest man in the world. We'll be back. Tetra Splendor were a
top bunch, happy to share kit and chat and stuff. They rock
Thurs 11th July London Kashmir Klub *
Beautiful acoustic venue and rather
decent people. We like.
Tues 9th July Northampton Soundhaus
Got cancelled
Fri 5th July Gloucester The Brunswick
An acoustic set in a Gloucester pub
on a Friday night may have been something of a misjudgment but we won in the
end. A tough, tough night. Full band next time and we look forward to sonically
rearranging the internal organs of those fortunate enough to be
present.
Sat 29th June
Cardiff The Barfly
A not much of a night illuminated
only by Stevo's onstage seizure during darling darling. A crazed bow breaking,
bass bending fit of epic proportions. The bar has been well and truly raised.
Who know's what's going to happen next. Meredith stick that rose on your fanny,
this one's for you baby!!!
Fri 28th June London
Studio - with Toby Slater + The Nines
The second top London gig in a week.
Bizarre. The Kasbah rocked. Toby Slater was great as were The Nines. Sorry but
we didn't catch Standing Man as we were next door not eating large plates of
pizza and stuff.
Great to see Alex, Mikey and Howard
of Superimposed infamy. Howard has the distinction of throwing up in the Bombers
tour van, falling out the door at traffic lights and surviving.
Thurs 27th June - Oxford - The
Cellar
Disappointment is the son of hope,
expectation is Silverman's neck, the Shifty Disco night @ the Cellar Bar in
Oxford, Thurs 27th June was the rope.
Tues 25th June Reading Uni
A big barn of a room, loads of
talkers at the back rah rah rah. Martin lost his rag with a thoroughly
unprofessional rant. Plenty of people down the front seemed to get off on the
set though which more than compensated.
Mon 24th - London - Borderline (thanks to The
Electric Landlady who's message board post we've nicked)
Last night was a toptastic gig (as the band heard me
tell them about 50 times). It says something when there's less people watching
the headline act (a guy who looked like a cross between Steve McQueen and an off
duty policeman banging out US desert highway lyrics and Nirvana covers !?!) than
the previous bands. No.1 crowd appreciation award definitely went to Silverman
last night.
And then how weird to get into work this morning and hear one of my team singing
Ctrl Alt Del. Have I managed to brainwash them or are they trying to curry
favour?? Makes me think it would have to be the best choice for a single should
the band release one. Anyone agree?
Sat 22nd June - Cheltenham Calmer *
Paul's first time in the acoustic line up. Didn't
half work well. Another classic Calmer night completed in great vodka drinking
style round Stevo's.
Wed 19th June Bristol Fleece & Firkin
Okish, we've been better, we've been worse.
Sun 16th June Worcester Marrs Bar
Another great night at the Marrs Bar. Thank
y'all.
Sat 8th June Nottingham Junction 7 (thanks
to Chris Bailey for the review)
Lorna - The Thing That I Most
Believe, You Me Barcelona NOW, Flux Capacitor, Glowworm, We Will Never Grow Old,
Illuminations
Silverman - Can I Have My Heart Back Please, You And Your Mouth, Love Me Too,
The Blue Tree, Ctrl Alt Del, 11:11 (cut out), Darling Darling
Here it is then, well I did promise.
Well I must say like the bands I think, that the venue was not what I was
expecting at all. Very small and pretty empty; I was told it probably wasn't the
best place to be seeing Silverman live for the first time as I was about to do
but I didn't agree, I had them all to myself ;)
It didn't start too well by all accounts. Under the impression that it was going
to start at 9pm, with the place still deserted and Mark, getting what can only
be described, as pretty frustrated with the sound they were getting before Lorna
eventually opened at 10. I have to say if you haven't seen Lorna live before you
simply must. I took a little bit of stick for only thinking Lorna were very good
with their studio material as opposed to godly Silverman status ;) But live,
they are completely different, a very good different. In a word, LOUD, but it
rawked :) The mellow intro's from Lorna are magical and I was much more happy
with the vocals, although it took several requests from Mark to turn them up
throughout the set (including promises of England winning, lol) After each song
had rocked along for a while it often became a session between Mark and Chris on
who could "outnoise" the other one as the endings completely brought
the house down. I couldn't help but feel sorry for Helen in the corner trying to
make herself heard at times! The two openers sounded much more hooky than their
more reserved counterparts on the albums and really gave them a lease of life
I've never heard before. It was great to hear one of my personal favourites Flux
Capacitor which sounded even more beautiful and the legendary We Will Never Grow
Old which isn't experienced at all until you've heard it like this. Despite a
little muttering from a few people during the verse, it was a fantastic version
of that song. Really wanted them to break into a wave of noise at that moment
which'd take care of them, or quite as easily bludgeoned them with a guitar, but
I knew Silverman would bring the whole place to a complete standstill pretty
soon. In the end it was Illuminations that was the standout for me just on its
sheer ending merits alone as they really went at it :) For such a small crowd
which peaked at about 25, I thought they were more than welcome to Lorna and
gave them a great reception. Especially on We Will Never Grow Old which clearly
got the biggest.
Silverman on the other hand were much more quiet. Martin admitted this was the
quietest
they've ever played but I thought it was breathtaking and Mark said it was the
best sound they've ever had. So there its official :) The thing I was really
looking forward to was the stunned silence of the crowd as Anna launched into
her vocals, only to find myself doing it all over again and not really paying
much attention to anyone else. Yes she's beautiful and on Saturday, back
sporting the blonde look with white shirt and white tie; nice.. But it was
nothing to do with how she looked the instant she sung the first note of Can I
Have My Heart Back, when I fell in love ;)))) Just watching her close her eyes
and breathe so angelically the best bits of some of the classics from LMT, YAYM
and CAD completely melted me and I felt myself falling even more.. okay snap out
of it now, sigh. Anna's voice is impressive we all know from the recordings, but
live it is exponentionally better. I have never heard anything like it, its just
the sweetest sound you'll ever hear. As they launched into the two classics LMT
and YAYM I started to notice *that* silence only broken occasionally by
exclamations of disbelief. They certainly couldn't believe what they were
hearing, as couldn't I and I've been listening to it for months. Ctrl Alt Del
got the biggest reception but the two classic ballads became instant favourites.
It was nice to hear the magnificent Blue Tree too but it was the slow ones that
everyone was falling for. Really unfortunate that Paul decided to have a
throwing up session towards the end of Ctrl Alt Del so that they missed out on
11:11 which I was really looking forward to. Expecting that we might see Mark
get up and perform a second farewell Silverman song by rocking out on Darling
Darling, Paul returned in time to do an amicable job on the ending which I know
is their trademark and seemed like a great effort to "out-end" Lorna.
Both of the finales were equally impressive and really capped perfect
performances. After easily convincing the people there of what they are made of,
I spent time chatting with some of these great people and it was a fantastic
night. AND I have a lovely scribbled set list souvenir so yay me!
We know both these bands are great but they really do push the bar up live. I
kinda wondered whether Silverman would be able to follow Lorna's fabulous set
given that it was going to be quite the different sound but they were simply
staggering. Thanks guys for a thoroughly enjoyable evening.
Last word has to go to Anna and quite simply I'm speechless.
Lorna *****
Silverman *****
Mon 3rd June Bath -
Moles/Porter
Tired after the busy weekend but
happy to be playing such a beautiful little venue with such a cool vibe.
Bohemian Bath at it's best, Silverman sounding intimate, the quiet force of
nature that they are. Met some lovely people here too. French rasta Lauren, the
couple who bought us a drink after the show, the girl from Stroud and her Notts
boyfriend and chap from Bath Spa and his mates amongst others. We're back next
month, looking forward to it already.
Sat 1st June Leeds Josephs Well
After an extremely pleasant day of
watching cricket and 2:4:1 meals we took a swift trip up the M1 from Nottingham
to Leeds. First time back here for Martin since an unfortunate evening in 1996
with an unfortunate bunch of rock toss called Orphic Soup. Bad memories to put
to rest and they were. Another BIG Silverman performance only enhanced by
Paul's Vodka binge. Thanks to Markie Lorna Mark for putting us up.
Fri 31st May Wolverhampton Varsity
Audience a bit thin on the ground.
Appreciative though and Sian the promoter is a babe. Looking forward to packing
the place in the not too distant future.
Thurs 23rd May Manchester Night & Day
Low stress night for us for a change
other than Martin leaving his bass drum pedal and stool on a pavement somewhere
no doubt never to be seen again.. *Bodixa had a bit of a 'mare but we had a good
one. Good to meet Bone Box and *Bodixa, fellow UglyPeople.
Brighton Palmers Bar - Sat 18th
May
Well I guess we were due a bad one
and boy did we get it.
Question: What do you get if you
cross a sticky, smelly hole in the ground drinking club, 50 ignorant pissed
wankers, a six hour round trip (x2), an inaudible sound system and a Silverman
acoustic set?
Answer: A night to forget.
TIH?: Could try
harder................ E minus
Warwick Uni - Thurs 16th
May - (thanks to Jim for the review)
It's been a hot, tiring day. A bit
stressful, too. I need a rest. Or a bit of Silverman. The first is easy - voila:
le armchair. The second is a bit more challenging: Silverman are playing up the
road at Warwick Uni, but my NUS card is as obsolete as a WW2 ration book...
I go for the challenge, and - after a swiftly downed pint at the Arts Centre bar
across the way - I breeze in to the Students Union building unopposed. Follow
that drum practicing!
Of course, it's Martin. The band do a sound check, playing bits of different
songs. It's going to be good if Anna avoids that dodgy string - "I just
won't play it," she says! Steve invites me to the dressing room. Yeah, for
real! And it's a fair sized job, too! Ah, this touring with bands. No, hang on -
this isn't Spinal Tap, you prat. I gush and ask the questions they must get sick
of being asked, but answer politely never-the-less. I apologise for not doing
Stevo's quiz and watch Anna put her make-up on. Yeah, for real, too! She won't
disclose details like what brand of cosmetics she uses. Well, there have to be
limits. And I take the hint.
Then, there's a tie ceremony: it's tried out, it's taken out of the room, it
returns, it goes on again. "I need a belt," Anna says. I offer mine.
God you have to, don't you? No, it seems. There's something about the whole
prospect that has Anna turning me down, politely. This band are a very polite
lot, y'know...
Silverman are due to be on second, out of three bands. 10.15... and we're
finally on! Sorry, THEY'RE on, opening up with 'Can I have my heart back,
please?' which seems right for an opener, although it's the 5th track on the new
album. It goes down very well. Next, we have Anna warbling on 'You and Your
Mouth'. I think it's warbling - it sounds pretty effective, anyhow! 'Love me
too' suffers from a bit of rogue feedback, but is really outstanding, getting a
great cheer after. We were supposed to get 'People like you' at this point, but
- after confirming the running order with me three times beforehand - they went
and did 'Blue Tree' next, instead. Probably gave them a laugh, I suppose. (Well,
they had referred to me as 'the press', when I got the pen and notepaper out in
the dressing room!) Blue Tree is a real favourite of mine, and it sounded
superb. In fact, the sound was amazing throughout - aided by those Marshall
amps, no doubt. I lost a bit of track of things around this point - bit of a
disturbance around me, as spotted by Anna... However, I think it went 'Ctrl Alt
Del', '11.11', then 'darling darling' to finish. Silverman fans will know that
this meant sheer delight!! '11.11' is very different in it's electric form, very
powerful, although it is pretty mind-blowing when played acoustically, too. By
'darling darling', I could see Martin and Anna had enjoyed the evening. And the
band got a rapturous response from an appreciative crowd who they held right
from the first track.
Paul played his debut on guitar after only a couple of days' practice - and
played a blinder, considering that! He says he missed some notes
(understandable!!), but I didn't notice anything, anyway. Alan is quiet (even by
Silverman standards), but musically puts in some essential-to-Silverman keyboard
stuff. Steve is equally unassuming, but you can't miss him on an upright
electric double-bass. Yes, that's how the bass goes down at the moment in this
increasingly confident band!
After all those pre-performance checks, Martin turned up behind me during an
early track to ask what I thought of the sound! Bloody spooky, it was! But
people like that simply deserve to succeed! He's a sort of 'driving-force', not
least in his drumming - God, he hits that kit hard at times! (I thought I saw
something fly off early on!) Anna is more laid-back, but don't be fooled: she
DOES get nervous! Tonight, she fended off a cold and put in a very confident and
a very polished performance, I thought.
So, a great night. And memories of sharing time with Silverman in their dressing
room - with Gareth and friend, who later joined us and who are also nice people
- like a lot of the students I spoke to... God, everyone's so nice!!!!!
At the end, I shook hands and left the place in a buoyant mood, clutching my
'Archangel' Cd sleeve, somewhat crumpled from being in my pocket all evening.
It's a souvenir of the occasion - all the more so because it has been signed by
this nice band of people.
Sorry, that's a rather overlong review. Ok, so the last word? It's undoubtedly
SILVERMAN.
JM
London Big Note & The Hope
and Anchor - Sun 12th May - acoustic
Decent enough night, though we had
to take care to miss the hoards of extremely pissed Arsenal fans (is there
anything worse than an extremely pissed Arsenal fan? (a sober one perhaps) who'd
been out celebrating the 'double; with their open top bus parade thing ).
About the quietest we've ever played
(infact Martin didn't realise that his guitar hadn't been plugged in until the
end of the set....DOH !!). Alan's Juno 60 dying was a blow...Roland has left the
building. Thanks to The Electric Landlady for bringing such a lot of people
down. More converts.
Worcester - Marrs Bar - Sun 5th May
One of those special nights. Played
with a three piece, Songbird (you know.... Eva Cassidy sort of thing) which on
paper sounds like it could have been horrific. Infact they were great, honest,
unpretentious and high quality. Even lent Anna their superdoopa Sure beta 87a
mic, an act of generosity well above and beyond. Thanks guys (and gal). Anna
flew, infact we all had wings that night.
Exceptional crowd well into the
Silverman set and we played a blinder, one of the best, if not the best sets
ever. That's two fantastic nights we've had at the Marrs
Bar. Brian's the boss, he cares about music and musicians and it doesn't
half show. From the stage to the sound system to the door split to the pint at
the end of the night. Like we said before 'who cares wins'.
Got to tell a tale from a chat at
the bar before the gig......Mark was telling is of an emotional pilgrimage he
made to Nick Drake's grave. "Was it moving?" Stevo enquired. "No,
he was dead." was the reply. *LOL*
Sheffield The Grapes - Sat 4th
May - (thanks to Andrew for the review)
Sheffield should be nicknamed city
of circles. It was bit of a nightmare in finding the Grapes (not having a
street map that was of any use in the city centre) but we found it *Yes
we had a couple of navigational difficulties too ;-)*.
A small student pub (with a long line to the bar) with an even smaller live room
upstairs. Luckily I got my refreshments just as the gentle
beginnings to "you and your mouth" floated over the room. This
track is well suited to a smoked filled place and although the live version is
similar to the one off "star" it is a good intro track. The band
appeared very relaxed and the sound was good considering the size of the venue
(better than Rock City at any rate) .
Next up was the sensuous tones of "love me too" sung by Anna with lots
of feeling - I think the audience really enjoyed this track. Around this
point I noticed that the bass player had an electric double bass rather than the
customary one - it certainly fitted with the mood producing some lovely low
tones. One of the favourites of the new CD "speed of life part
2" followed next - "can I have my heart back please" - great
version and quite different to that of the aforementioned CD - in place of the delicious
feedback is even more delicious acoustic strumming from Anna. Very catch track.
By now Silverman were in full swing and appropriately followed up next with
"Ctrl Alt Del" - the vocal dueting between Anna and Martin is great to
watch. The band got a chance to really rock out a bit as well.
"Eleven eleven" is fast becoming my favourite track - fantastic lyrics
that build to a crescendo until Anna releases the pressure - "f**k you f**k
me" has never sounded so pleasing. This track has developed and evolved
live and I can't wait to hear it again. Anna sings this with such a
desired intent.
Unfortunately Silverman only played one more track - the long psychedelic and
improvised "darling darling" - filled with a magnificent cacophony - I
loved the sounds emanating from the guitarist and the powerful drums towards the
end. A fine end to an albeit too short but confident performance.
I am certainly looking forward to catching Silverman again sometime soon. After
listening the new CD lots over the past 2 weeks I would love to hear more
material of it. The acoustic "secret baby" off the Now.com
performance would be a welcome addition.
Bath Moles/Porter - Thurs 2nd
May - acoustic (thanks to Rolo for the
review...are you sitting comfortably?)
There are venues that are simply
built for certain types of band. Bath's Moles club is dark and dingy, with a
cramped stage and some rather scary regulars, thus attracting a hardcore
rock/punk/metal loving clientele. Meanwhile the Porter Cellar Bar next door has
mood lighting in the form of candles and lots of seating, making it the perfect
setting for some mellow, intelligent, thoughtful music. A chilled music loving
crowd, willing to relax, absorb and enjoy. The perfect setting for Silverman in
fact.
I arrive in time for the third song of the first of two sets. It is appropriate
that "Time is a Blade" is the first song I hear, as it was the first
Silverman song I ever heard, back in the winter of 2000. This song inspired me
to find out more about a band, which was, at the time, less than a year old.
Find out more I did and I have now seen them more times than I can actually
remember.
The early Silverman performances were raw, ragged and ever so slightly unsure of
themselves. Each gig has been progressively better than the last, still
maintaining the raw and ragged feel, but gaining in coherency, poise and
confidence all the while. So much confidence that, tonight, drummer and
songwriter Martin Williams feels the urge to instruct anyone who talks to
"please keep the noise down". Something which would certainly not have
happened a year or so back.
This gig comes at the start of a new era for Silverman. The new album,
"Speed of Life Part 2", their first full release is poised and ready
to go, receiving a 4/5 rating from "Rock Sound", the same as The
Doves' latest effort. This gig is one of many semi-acoustic showcases lined up
by the band and as such lends the songs an even more raw, stripped down sound.
On top of this, front-woman and co-songwriter Anna has a new look. Shirt and
tie? Very smart!
The band play two more songs from their back catalogue, "Darling
Darling" and "Love me Too" then take a short break before
returning to play some newer material. "darling darling" doesn't get
the grandstand finish of their electric performances, but takes a completely
different direction and happens to be just as thrilling when performed
acoustically.
The second set begins with the slowly building and soaring choruses of
"Don't Leave this World Without me" and continues with "People
like you", a highly vocal tune, concentrating mainly on Anna and an
acoustic guitar. "Can I have my Heart back please?" is extremely hooky
and a major contender for the most accessible track on the album. And then the
deeply personal "Eleven Eleven", Anna screwing her eyes up as breathes
the words "fuck you, fuck me, fuck every-fucking-body". Unnecessary
use of swearing you may think, but perfectly justified, given the context within
which it lies. They finish with recent single and album opener "Ctrl Alt
Del", Martin joining Anna on vocal duties. Performing in front of an
audience certainly does not come easily to these people, but they are growing
into it and gaining in confidence with every gig.
As for the album itself, "Speed of Life Part 2" consists of seven
fantastically written, wonderfully arranged and perfectly performed songs. From
the Cave/Kylie-esque duet, "Ctrl Alt Del" via the passionate and
emotional strains of "Eleven Eleven" and "Can I have my Heart
back Please?" and on to the collection of frozen, fragmented moments in
time that is "Nothing I do, Nothing I say". This album is the perfect
soundtrack to love, passion, loss, pain, rejection and heartbreak. The final
track will leave you with a chill down your spine as it's reflective drum beat
fades out and Anna's vocals repeat in your head. "Now I'm falling in to
you. And nothing you do will ever make me change my mind. Nothing you say will
ever make me change my mind."
If the music industry was not controlled by corporate big-wigs, selling the
easiest, cheapest, tackiest thing they can get their hands on just to make a
quick buck, then Silverman would be very big, very soon. As it is, well, they
may well be very big very soon, simply because they are extremely good.
Silverman. Remember the name, you heard it here first.
"Speed of Life Part 2" is available in the shops on the 27th of May on
Uglyman records.
London - Kashmir Klub Martin
& Anna acoustic - Friday 26th April
Lovely venue, great vibe. Acoustic
showcase sort of night. 11 acts playing a song and them another one. Varied and
high quality. Spent the next morning checking out Camden Market which was cool.
Martin picked up a rather dashing shirt and Anna some shoes - reduced from
£79.99 to £9.99 can you believe that!!! (if you saw them you would :-) We're
back at the Kashmir on
July 11th with Stevo and Al. We'll play more then.
London Camden Barfly - Sat 20th
April
Dispiriting is a word that comes to
mind. Shite is another. We're gradually learning that we're not a rock band in
the traditional sense and turning up to play black box gaffa tape rock rooms
isn't where we're at. Our music is too fragile and intimate to withstand a
bollox sound and too many of the audience spending the duration of our set
telling each other (loudly) how much their new super slick Camden strides set
them back or comparing ring tones. We're not being precious or hand to brow
'darling feel the beauty wash over your soul .....this is our art....' we just
feel like we deserve a little respect. So fuck you and good night.
Oxford - Borders - Sun 14th April -
acoustic
Mellow Sunday afternoon in the
sports section. Someone walked up to the information desk and asked what the cd
plying was to be pointed in our direction and told "no cd...it's them over
there". Almost makes Alan's parking ticket worth it. Hopefully we can play
more Borders, mellow vibe no bullshit.
London - Barfly
Acoustic - Tues 9th April (Thanks
to Liam
Cullen for the review)
I can't say for sure, after having a little too much to drink but I thought that was a pretty f-ing amazing show! The lighting was perfect, the songs were wonderful, and it was good to hear some of the new stuffin an
acoustic fashion. The atmosphere of the whole place made it seem very personal and, and... well I'm at a loss
for words. Other than a very well done.
Nottingham - Rock City - Wed
3rd April (Thanks
to Andrew Barnes for the review)
Arrived at Rock City and surprised by the lack of punters about then
realised that the bands were playing in the back room! Caught the last 3 or so songs of Lorna's set - they seemed to enjoying themselves especially the
manic closing track.
After a quick break and a chance to get a few ?1
bottles of beer, Silverman almost seem to sneak onto stage and began with the quite "you and your mouth". The sound was a bit muddy with Anna's
vocals not as dominating as they deserved to be. Finally the guy in front of me decided to shut up and not have a annoyingly loud conversion with someone
so I could pay close attention to the music. I was ready to applaud the opening track when the closing bars rolled effortlessly into the laid back
swoon of "love me too" (nice touch) - again hampered by the mix a fair bit. And the end of this track, Martin instructed the sound guy to do his
job and provide "sound" - i.e. turn it up.
The virtual single "Ctrl Alt Del"
is a real favourite and seeing it performed live was intriguing with the interplay between Anna and Martin - the track seemed to be a little
extended to the studio version which gave the band a good chance to showcase their talents.
Finally the sound was redeemed and Silverman launched
further new tracks - the brilliant "can I have my heart back please" - this is a complete track and I do
certainly do appreciate the more complete song structure of the newer tracks (written more for a band than a duo). The
presence of Anna bleeding out the vocals and then intently strumming a few chords was wonderful. I bet this track will be real a highlight of the new
album. Next (I think) was "11:11" which was more the same - a wonderful song with a moody delivery and complexity in structure.
A real surprise was hearing the older track "blue tree" - which out performed the archangel
version - Anna was in fine form - very powerful and heartfelt - as were the band. Finally (and regrettably) Silverman finished with "darling darling" -
1 of 2 natural songs to finish on - the other would be "so cruel" off archangel". Very
psychedelic performance - Martin and Anna almost in mediation delivering an entwined interplay of voices amongst a lovely
cacophony of sound.
Liverpool - The Lomax - Friday 29th March (Thanks
to Markie Mark for the review).
Let's get this straight from the beginning. The
Lomax in not a venue, it's Sealink, it's p&o, it's a bloody car ferry.
For no good can become of this tale that is to be told.
Arrived to a surprisingly easy and trouble free
soundcheck (another great soundman, nice guy). Sound checked as quickly
as possible and all thoughts turned to food. We found our dressing room parallel
to the car deck near the buro de change, it was very big and we aren't used to
that. Still it was nice, the curtains where a very kubrick orange and yellow
and the walls where yellow, we could never chill out in there. So after
moaning and more moaning uncle Martin took us out into the lovely city of
Liverpool about 6pm and we found a obscure yet delightful "American restaurant",
I was sceptical at first after laying down the Chinese guilt/sulk (see a
pattern here?) trip but when I saw they had Audrey Hepburn poster on the wall.
The menu brought it all home to me when I saw they had Mexican wraps, that and
two cokes later and most of Anna's food too and I was happy again.
We got back to the ferry and I proceeded to moan
that we needed candles for the dressing room and after a pathetic brief
attempt and whinge to martin I gave up. Watched some of the first band,
very tight for their age and sounded extremely mature, chances are they aren't
into it but I head a little bit of the afghan whigs in there, the singer had a
great voice. Went downstairs for a bit...Anna, Helen, Alan and Stevo
where all vegged out so I disturbed them until they would play.
Stevo being completely mental tried to through a bottle top that was on the
ceiling at some butter for some 20 minutes, I then made him a paper plane to
try and knock the butter off the wall. Martin came in and joined in the
paper plane game too until we all got bored. Watched some of the second band
"cornerstone", again most impressive and tight, good drummer
especially vocals again up to a high standard. But spent most of the set
chatting to Stevo about Sonic Boom and Stereolab.
Watched the first 4 songs of the 3rd band Pure
9, who get the nicest bunch of lads of the week award. Their second song
was especially lovely, I think their influences maybe a bit more rawk than I interpreted
but I heard undertones of former scouse ghosts "the boo radleys" in
there. Singer looked ace and his voice shook the room down, the
guitarist also very good did lots of fun tricks that I would only ever cock
up. Went down to the dressing room and pissed about again when Martin
came and hurried us up to get on. We got set up super quick but already
the mainly local crowd was thinning.
We went on and played really really well, the
best in these little batch of dates so far. Anna's voice was in top form and
Martin was in one of his amusing moods, he plays with the crowd very well.
At the end of You and Your mouth we where astounded with how many people
applauded seem as there only seemed about 20 out there, it turned out there
was a large group behind the corner. Anyway we played love me too after
wards, then ctrl alt delete which I play with the uttermost paranoia as Martin
has two eyes constantly glued on my G B E strings. Then we did can
I have my heart back please, blue tree and 11.11. 11.11 seems to be getting
better and better live. I think I might of rocked out a bit too much on it
though I didn't get told off. yet.
We ended like all good movies do with a goodie,
Darling Darling. I pissed about a lot on the guitar, and tried to keep up with
Alan on the silly noise race, he usually wins but I gave it a good go as I lay
the guitar on the floor and played with my green peddle.
Had a chat with the pure 9 lads afterwards and
the singer reminded us of the courier from Spaced. We packed up
our belongings and watched the land draw nearer, we finally docked and changed
our currency and left with a sense of achievement, a few new friends and
hardly being able to walk due to food.
Bristol - Louisiana - Wed 27th
March
Tip top sound
and great vibe, even the horrors of the sampler refusing to load until the very
last minute evaporated over the course of a really good night. Thanks to Scribe
for bringing such a decent crew.
90 Degrees
South seduced and intrigued. Eclectic and compelling. Chilled and stimulating.
Thanks Kev.
We put in one
of the more enjoyable full band sets of late. Weight and subtlety both given a
fair chance by a good rig well engineered. Consensus amongst the band
(well Anna, Mark and Martin at least) was that 11:11 was the best we've ever
played it, other songs like Blue Tree and You & Your Mouth were up there
too.
In response
to the the guy who spoke with Martin disappointed that we didn't do Gun At My
Head in the set (infact we've never done it live).........we will.
Liverpool
Lomax here we come !!
Cheltenham -
Calmer - Sun 24th March
Part two of
the first Calmer double header and again a triumph for cool, quality sounds. We
had no idea what to expect but we'd hoped for a successful launch with plenty of
people and a chilled vibe. That's what we got.
Alan was in
London doing his Kung Fu thing so that left Anna, Stevo and Martin to fly the
Silverman flag with a short set of acoustic songs. Another really enjoyable
session, we had a great time; some favourites mixed with songs from the
forthcoming album. Cool. Good to meet Ed too :-)
90 Degrees
South followed showcasing tracks from the 10/10 Future Music album 'Plans For
Travel' (out now on Ochre
Records). A fascinating soundscape of beats, samples and gentle guitar. A
journey in its own right, the sound of 90 Degrees South is a classically crafted
sonic adventure. Fantastic. Thanks Kev.
What a great
way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Things
In Herds are coming up from Brighton for the April shows on Sat 20th and Sun
21st. We're playing @ The Monarch on the 20th so London and Cheltenham look like
being good places to be that night. Spoilt for choice.
Thanks to
Phil Jump and Badlands
for sponsoring the fliers and special thanks to Cam and all @ the Mezza/The
Mitre for the venue and the PA.
Cheltenham -
Calmer - Sat 23rd March
The first of
our monthly weekenders at Mezza/The Mitre in Cheltenham. It's our baby and we do
what we like. We like crystal clear sound, great songs, ambiance and beautiful
performances. Judging from the great turn out and reaction of the audience
so do they.
Stepping in
at short notice for Simon Connelly was Steve Franks who got proceedings under
way. What a star. A set of immense classical guitar playing that left the place
enthralled. Classy stuff and a top bloke with it. He's playing again on May 26th
with Dreamfield so make sure you get there early.
Silverman
sounded like Silverman tonight and after the sound 'issues' of the last couple
of gigs that came as something of a relief. Space, clarity and beauty were back
and in that kind of environment nothing and nobody comes close to delivering the
kind of spellbinding almost spiritual kind of performance that Anna put in. It
was nothing short of a privilege to be there and I appreciate that actually
being in the band kind of obligated my attendance and may compromise (may??) my
objectivity BUT sometimes these things just need to be said. She/We rocked.
Gently, subtly and beautifully.
London -
Backyard Club - Friday 22nd March
Kind of fun
in a London hit and run functional, nice onstage sound, good to catch up with
some internet fans (here's Liam's
review :-) + a couple of industry you've only ever talked to on the
phone sort of way. Disappointing in a front of house sound sort of way....and I
quote "that engineer's a tosser', still, you live and learn and we learnt
that Mark needs a better guitar strap (CRUNCH), that we really need to sort out
our own live sound engineer sharpish, that Delica were a decent bunch and that
we ought to probably be more selective when it comes to London venues.
Cheltenham
Boom - Thurs 21st March
I'm still
thinking over a suitable review of this gig. The nature and emphasis of it
will be largely dependent on a conversation I am meant to be having with a
certain promoter. I'll leave it at that for now.
Bristol -
Fleece & Firkin - Tues 19th Feb
Always good at
the Fleece,
Bristol's best smaller venue. Dacoda rocked well, good guitars and fine voices,
beast of a drummer. The Rhodes were promising, loads of potential but should
take care to not fall under the wheels of the Strokes bandwagon; could get
messy. They're good enough and young enough to set trends not feel like they
have to follow them.
Good to see so
many friends and family again. We like Bristol a lot. One day Bristol will like us as
much.
Reading - Purple
Turtle -
Thurs 14th Feb
What a strange little
pink rock'n'roller coaster we ride.
After the most depressing of sound checks that might easily have seen us pack up
and go home with only the booming of sub base and screech of high pitch feed
back as a disappointing memory....we end up having one of the best nights of the
tour (tour??).
We start, the sonic mist lifts and a room full of The Only Living Boys (and
girls) in New Cross enjoy a subtle, steely Silverman acoustic set. A loud, good humored,
hugely appreciative crowd quickly get on board and come for the magic carpet
ride.
Six songs later and Anna's signing autographs, flattery abounds and Silverman
are high. Weirder and weirder.
Can't wait to get back to the Purple Turtle and deliver a full Silverman band
set. The place will be well and truly ripped up. Slay 'em Mark :-)
Respect to Reading band Jackson's Corner who played after us and sounded great -
think Cream, think good OCS. Front man and promoter Paul rocks like a rocking
thing. Infact: he rocks.
Bristol next. See you there.
Leicester - The Shed -
Wed 13th Feb
A wet Wednesday night in
Leicester with punters thin on the ground. Potential unrealised tonight. Played
well and sounded good, if there had been 10,000 people there it would have gone
down as one of the great rock shows of the last thirty years. There weren't so
it won't, though it was (maybe).
Decent venue and excellent sound. Ollie the promoter was a nice guy. Thanks to
Dan did our sound at the White Horse and enjoyed it so much he came to do The
Shed. A beezer geezer with a phone that plays proper samples when it rings.
Thanks to Daz for loan of the drum kit.
By way of a minor twitch, the derelict inbred Southern Comfort crew at the bar
wouldn't know a class act if if bought them another double meths. If ignorance
is bliss, they were ecstatic.
We'll be back. Maybe next time the event will make a better attempt to compete
with the rare quality that Silverman always bring to such occasions.
And onwards.............
Nottingham - The Maze - Sun 10th Feb
Please accept our apologies
those that came to see us last night. Just one of those things unfortunately and
beyond our control. We hope you understand.
We'll rearrange something for March with Lorna again (who were absolutely
stunning last night) and make it up to you then.
Anna's feeling a little better now. Those of you who've suffered migraines will
I'm sure appreciate how wretched they can be.
"And in my
head where the stars align
The air gets hot when I play with fire"
:(
Mark's first visit to Wales.
He could barely contain his bladder as we crossed the Severn Bridge.
Great venue, quality sound system and again like the White Horse, the
friendliest and most helpful of promoters and staff. A five star Silverman
recommendation to any bands or gig goers. Shemko rocked and we got drunker than
drunk.
Good to see Drew Bomber and an assortment of other friends and conspirators. Top
night...and thanks to Debbie and Katrina for putting us up.
Read the Cardiff uni
weekly - Gair Rhydd REVIEW
High Wycombe -
The White Horse - Friday 8th Feb
From
cheese to chalk
This is how it should be, this place matters. Honest, friendly and sincere.
Quality system, sound and lighting engineers. Top boss and loyal music loving
crowd. Every town should have one.
Respect to Fat Stanley, a refreshing blast of Buffalo Tom(ish) guitar rock, and
good blokes with it too. They're allowed.
We rocked. People enjoyed. It felt good.
When people genuinely care, we can tell.
Who cares wins.
Lincoln Uni - Thurs
7th Feb
It wasn't
only the security guard's grizzly jobsworth attitude that stank. There's
something about the modern, new wave of British educational establishments also
that smells of weak industrial pine disinfectant, new tile grout and the end of
a politicised, activised alternative culture.
The new labour market vocation processing factories. Single self-absorbed
portions. Expensively built but with little real value. Selfishly homogenous.
They have budgets, they have their budgets spent. They have their forms and
forms filled. Everyone is offered their share of what it is to experience and
develop as subjects of her majesty.
Some see and feel more than others. A few saw and felt Silverman last night.
Should you feel pleased for them or sad for those that didn't?
Ahhhh the scent of Scandinavian forests.....
Camden - Barfly Acoustic @ The
Enterprise - Tues 5th Feb
Low stress,
relaxed acoustic night upstairs @ the Enterprise. Lovely to see so many of our
London friends in such close quarters. Intimate, warm and shared vibe. Think
we're gonna do a load more acoustic stuff (semi acoustic strictly speaking as
we're using loops and stuff). It works well. There are cds out @ The Kashmir
Klub and Spitz amongst other London venues (not that we only have to play in
London of course....let's see what happens.
Oxford -
The Wheatsheaf - Friday 11th Jan 2002 1st
gig of the year and if this was anything to go by we're going to have big fun.
Excellent venue and top promoter Joel - check out his band Theremin
Best of luck to them with their Warners deal.
Good turn out
and great to see so many friends. Dog were strange and ummm....strange. Can't
wait to get back to Oxford, playing there only goes to highlight what a desert
Cheltenham is. Cheltenham should be ashamed of itself, but ofcourse it isn't,
just lazy, self satisfied and smug, pretentiously superior and artistically
vacuous. What the fuck are 3 of us doing living here? Anyway....look out Oxford,
infact look out everywhere..... we're coming to get you. Make sure you check out
the forthcoming gigs listed on the home page and in the news section.
Cheltenham
-
The Mitre/Mezza Sat 22nd Dec 2001
We all had a brilliant night. There was an intimacy and spirit about the
evening that seemed to suit both us and Lorna. Seeing them with Sharon singing
was quite emotional.
As part of our live schedule next year I think some more special nights @ the
Mitre/Mezza could be in order, it's got the kind of friendly atmosphere and pure
sound, would make an ideal venue to showcase our new songs to people who take
the time and trouble to listen.
Bristol -
The Louisiana Thurs 13th Dec 2001
went really well. Roland and Miles & Veronique showed up which was
great. Soon to be canonised Mark drove down from Nottingham played half a song
in the sound check then put in an almost faultless performance. Not bad
considering he hadn't played the set since June. (Hello Sharon, good to meet
you).
Cheltenham
- Peppers - Sat 28th Oct 2001
A
Cheltenham Literature festival Slam Poetry night. Don't know about you but the
term 'slam poetry' conjures up images of crucial vibrant urban street
ranting, John Cooper Clark, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Chris from Smak Daddi.
Incisive, dangerous, uncomfortable. Some of the poets tonight were worthy infact
they probably all were in their ways but to be honest most of them just seemed
obsessed with suburban sexual melodrama. Basically nothing that a good shagging
wouldn't sort out. Thanks to Sarah Jane for taking a punt on us. It almost
worked.
Still..........we
had a good night.
Worcester
Marrs Bar - Friday
22nd June 2001
was
ok. We weren't completely on top of our game that night (don't mention random
worded mumbling to Anna, she'll blush). We'll be back there and we'll be
better.
Bristol
Fleece & Firkin - Monday
18th June 2001
was a beautiful, beautiful night. Great sound and we played
a good set including a new song 11:11. Loads of friends and even some family
were there for the first time and it felt great to be able to show them what
we're up to in such a cool venue. The word pride comes to mind.
Salisbury -
The Black Pig - Sat
16th June 2001
could have been good if anyone had been there to watch, though the
promoter and the couple at the back were very complimentary and Mark enjoyed his
pizzas.
Manchester - Night & Day Friday 27th April 2001- Cool UglyMan night
Water Rats Kings
Cross, London, Sat 11th Feb 2001
with Lorna & Shortwave. Extremely cool night reviewed here
Bath College - Tues 12th Dec - Only
took Mark 4 and a half hours to drive down through the rain and commuter
traffic. Veronique (French spoken word on I get Nervous) made it along
which was cool. Another good performance. The Marrs Bar date had given us a lot
of confidence, proved something. There's a review at Sound
Bytes courtesy of Roland.
Worcester Marrs Bar - Sunday 10th Dec - Best
gig to date. Intimate and moving. Wonderfully attentive music loving audience.
Can't wait to get back there. Lorna
played a truly beautiful semi-acoustic set too
Cheltenham & Glos
Xmas Ball Friday 8th Dec - - Weird one.
1400 students who wanted to get smashed, shag and fight. We were the wall paper.
And In The Beginning:
Well we did it, but by God
it was a journey. We don't have an attitude problem, honest, we just know what
we want.
Bass player 1
=
Squeak. Presumed lost in space. Hope you're alright mate.
Guitarist 1 = Went to Germany (Gareth you're cool, guttentag)
Guitarist 2 = Bottled it via email. You know who you are Lee.
Guitarist 3 = Disappeared off the face of the earth. Dom we hope you're
ok
Guitarist 4 = Just didn't work out. Wrong headspace. No hard feelings
Ralf
So anyway we end up three
days before our debut gig without a lineup. Desperate times requiring desperate
measures. So Mark decides to play guitar (and ends up easily sounding best out
of everyone we'd tried). Alan Deacon our sound engineer dusts off his Richard
Clayderman tutorial and replaces Mark on keys. Steve Moody who was along to play
some glock and make a few weird noises ends up on bass.
Easy, under our noses all the time. Sorted. One rehearsal and it's Manchester
here we come and a major result it was too. The gig was a triumph. 'Hypnotic',
'scary', 'spellbinding'. Anna was angelic and the rest of us skulked around in
the shadows and set the scene. Channelfly
videoed the gig and showed it on the ITC Conference TV system about 5 times.
Anthony H Wilson (BA Hons), has taken a couple of tracks for his music33
site.
The full line up:
Anna - vocals (+ some mean glockenspiel)
Martin - Drums + twatting about
Mark Rolfe - Guitar + random sonic assaults
Steve Moody - Bass and pouting
Alan Deacon (the sonic syringe) - keyboards + theremin
Thanks to Stargirl,
Toby Slater and The Drawbacks for being
cool people. Also thanks to Paul Brindley for organising the show.
Gig No 2 was at the
Something & Firkin in Nottingham with the wonderful Lorna
and the hyper cool Shortwave
(we're on roll). Ended up getting extremely hammered in Raawwwkk City Another
great night. Cheers to all the Intromit
crew for being such a great bunch. Rock
City Review of the Nottingham Show
Gigography
Manchester - Cyberia -
23rd Sept 2000
Nottingham - Fair & Firkin - 30th Sept 2000
London - The Barfly/Monarch - 18th Oct 2000
Cheltenham & Glos
Xmas Ball - 8th Dec 2000
Worcester Marrs Bar - 10th Dec 2000
Bath College - 12th Dec 2000
London - Water Rats - 17th Feb 2001
Manchester - Night & Day - Friday 27th April 2001
The Black Pig
in Salisbury - Sat 16th June 2001
Bristol
Fleece & Firkin - Monday 18th June 2001
Worcester Marrs Bar - Friday 22nd June 2001
Cheltenham - Peppers - Sat 28th Oct 2001
Bristol - Louisiana - Thurs 13th Dec 2001
Cheltenham - The Mitre/Mezza - Sat 22nd Dec 2001
Oxford - The Wheatsheaf - Friday 11th Jan 2002
London - Barfly Acoustic Tues 5th Feb 2002
Lincoln Uni - Thurs 7th Feb 2002
Cardiff Barfly - Sat 9th Feb 2002
Leicester - The Shed - Wed 13th Feb 2002
Reading - Purple Turtle - Thurs 14th Feb 2002
Bristol - Fleece & Firkin - Tues 19th Feb 2002
Cheltenham - Boom - Thurs 21st March
2002
London Lil Backyard - Friday 22nd March 2002
Cheltenham Calmer Sat 23rd March 2002
Cheltenham Calmer Sun 24th March 2002
Bristol - Louisiana - Web 27th March - 2002
Liverpool Lomax Friday 29th March 2002
Nottingham Rock City - Wed 3rd April 2002
London Barfly Acoustic @ The Enterprise, Camden Tues 9th
April 2002
Oxford Borders acoustic Sun 14th April 2002
London Camden Barfly - Sat 20th April 2002
London - Kashmir Klub Martin & Anna acoustic - Friday 26th
April 2002
Bath Moles/Porter acoustic Thurs 2nd May 2002
Sheffield The Grapes - Sat 4th May 2002
Worcester - Marrs Bar - Sun 5th May - 2002
London Big Note & The Hope and Anchor acoustic Sun 12th
May 2002
Warwick Uni Thurs 16th May - 2002
Brighton Palmers Bar -Sat 18th May 2002
Manchester Night & Day Thurs 23rd May - 2002
Wolverhampton Varsity Fri 31st May 2002
Leeds Josephs Well Sat 1st June 2002
Bath Fringe Festival Moles/Porter acoustic - Mon 3rd
June 2002
Nottingham Junction 7 Sat 8th June 2002
Worcester Marrs Bar - Sun 16th June 2002
Bristol Fleece & Firkin Wed 19th June 2002
Cheltenham Calmer - Sat 22nd June 2002
Perry Bar/Kidderminster/Worcester Our Price stores Sun 23rd
June 2002
Worcester - Marrs Bar - Sun 23rd June 2002
London Borderline - Mon 24th June 2002
Reading Uni Tues 25th June 2002
London Studio Fri 28th June 2002
Cardiff Barfly Sat 29th June 2002
Gloucester The Brunswick - Fri 5th July 2002
London Kashmir Klub acoustic Thurs 11th July 2002
Cardiff Club Ifor Bach with Tetra Splendor Sat 13th
July 2002
Bath Moles/Porter acoustic Wed 17th July 2002
Leicester The Shed Thurs 18th July 2002
Bath - Moles - Sat 20th July 2002
Birmingham Glee Club * - with Roddy Frame
-
Wed 24th July 2002
Swansea Psychos/Monkey Club * -
Thurs 25th July 2002
London - Borderline Roadworks @ The Borderline
Launch *
Fri 26th July 2002
Worcester - The Marrs Bar
Sun 28th July - 2002
Nottingham - Heavenly Social - afternoon -
Sat 10th Aug - 2002
London - Borderline - Mon 9th Sept - 2002
Manchester - 42nd Street - Sun 15th Sept - 2002
London The Betsey Trotwood
acoustic - Tues 1st Oct - 2002
London The Borderline - Thurs 3rd Oct - 2002
Swindon The Lava Lounge - Sun 6th Oct - 2002
Gloucester - Guildhall acoustic - Tues 8th Oct - 2002
London LSE - Thurs 10th Oct - 2002
Oxford - Borders Bookstore - Tues 15th Oct - 2002
London Water Rats - Weds 16th Oct - 2002
Bristol Fleece - Tues 22nd Oct - 2002
Bath Moles/Porter - Weds 23rd Oct - 2002
Swansea - Psychos/Monkey Club Thurs 31st Oct - 2002
Leicester Sumo - Roadworks acoustic Friday 1st Nov - 2002
Oxford The Jam Factory Sat 16th Nov - 2002
London Bush Hall Thurs 21st Nov - 2002
Cheltenham Glos Uni. Pittville Campus Sat 23rd Nov
2002
Bath Spa Uni. Mon 25th Nov 2002
Warwick Uni. Tues 26th Nov 2002
UWE Bristol Thurs 28th Nov 2002
Worcester - Marrs Bar -Sun 1st Dec -
2002
Gloucester - Guildhall * -
Friday 20th Dec - 2002
Cheltenham - Boom - Sun 22nd Dec - 2002
London - Borderline - Jan 30th - 2003
Gloucester - Guildhall -Jan 31st - 2003
Oxford - Bullingdon - Feb 15th - 2003
Calmer * @ Chelt Playhouse -
March 30th - 2003
Cheltenham - Guerrilla Room * -
May 2nd - 2003
Warwick Uni -
May 6th - 2003
Oxford Pembroke College Ball *
May 9th - 2003
Bath - Bath Spa
Uni - Fri 13th June - 2003
Bristol - Lakota with Soma -
Sat 14th June - 2003
Cheltenham - Glos Uni -Sat 21st June - 2003
Oxford -Oriel College -
Fri 27th June - 2003
Cheltenham - Calmer* - Sun 29th June - 2003
More to come watch this
space
Back
to the official Silverman Site
If there's anything
you want to know please drop us a line. We do our best to reply to every
e-mail.
Cheers Anna &
Martin
Promoters
+ Venues please feel free to mail
Silverman
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