No it wasn't wor Jackie

On Thursday I went with Tina to see Milburn play at the Astoria.

It was the day of our staff meeting, which customarily has free drinks afterwards, and I think this was the first time I had been and not taken up the free drinks offer. I think I deserved it after taking two or three digs in the presentations. I'll have to make up for it next time.

Support came from Model Radio, I think, I wasn't really sure as I couldn't understand him when he was talking, probably the accoustics and not the Stoke accent. They were pretty good though, although the lead singer's habit of saying 'lets have it', 'lets fucking have this one' or some other combination just before starting singing on every song got a bit tiresome, maybe he was just geeing himself up. they came on really early at 7:15 as well, so I reckon it was pretty difficult playing to a mostly empty venue.

Second we had The Envy Corps from somewhere in America. I thought they were very boring, long guitar parts, a lead singer I couldn't understand when he was either singing or talking, who made every single word last about 6 notes. Was very glad when they finished.

The main men were very good though (although not so much for Tina who did look like she was going to fall asleep, but then she had been getting up pretty early all week). I really like their first album, the second isn't as good, so far, but maybe it will grow on me. They have drawn comparisons to the Arctic Monkeys, which, based on their first album is fair, but I thought live they sounded more ska-like, and reminded me of the Coral's first album.

I don't think the night was a sell-out, as there were tickets still available on the door, which surprised me as they do have some very good songs. My favourite of the night was 'Cheshire Cat Smile', but unfortunately they didn't play my other favourite from the album, 'Brewster'. Very good overall though.

Here's a couple of videos for the uninitiated.