official secrets act

by Matt Merritt
Tue, 2008/03/18 - Eastney Cellars, Portsmouth
ARTROCKER RATING:
The venue may be as cosy as an old fashioned pub, but The Cellars is already gaining a reputation for grabbing exciting new bands, with the likes of Thomas Tantrum and Son of Dave soon to appear. Tonight however, it’s all about the new wave tinged Official Secrets Act. First up comes support from the local boys: we get the pumping rock of The Cartel, the fantastic lead guitar of The Sinnicks, and finally The Model Village, who’re fast emerging from the Portsmouth scene. Soon enough the OSA themselves take to the stage, and the crowd turn to witness one of the tightest, most musically adept bands to play here in some time. 
the crowd walked in not knowing what to expect, but they're without a doubt pleased with what they've got...
From the off the band make use of the secret weapon in their arsenal, keyboard player Michael’s harmonium. The instruments unique sound, (“lovely squeeziness” as one of the audience called it) adds something a little bit special that most bands just don’t have. Singer Thomas Charge Burke’s fills up the venue, while his guitar cranks out enough volume to drown out the seagulls fighting for chips outside. The crowd walked in not knowing quite what to expect, but they’re without a doubt pleased with what they’ve got. “So Tomorrow” is spikier than a hedgehog, with it’s riff and angular vocals bouncing off the walls. Meanwhile, debut single “Snakes & Ladders” is played hard and fast, being the punkiest track the band unleash on the audience. Set closer “Girl From The BBC”, a stunning little track on record, is so much more brutal live: it’s a truly beautiful piece of music and an excellent way to end the night. PHOTO: WWW.GREGHUGHES.TV

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