Audio.Video.Disco Valentines Day, The Hob Staines

Audio.Video.Disco is a pouting, sulking, smouldering almost vampiric looking band ( vampiric in a good ‘True Blood’ type way) with darkly handsome Rich Berkshire up front on his guitar and providing lead vocals,  loyal henchman and gigster Matt alongside, twiddling his lead guitar and supporting with vocals and Tox on the bass giving it the third voice …. ( and they even have a Ryan Kwanten look-alike [Tommy] on the drums at the back.)

This incredibly good-looking band played to a packed audience at the Valentines Day party at The Hob,  Staines at the weekend.  Full to the brim with the posh-totty fans of AVD, there was also enough room in the pub for a fair distribution of assorted divas, shakers, swingers, dilettantes and
philanders – all clamoring for a piece of this exciting local band. And the enthusiastic audience got what they came for. This was music for the young and the famous, the warm blooded and those without shame – Audio Video Disco are synonymous with sex appeal and they ooze success in a world where most of us are merely gasping for air.

Hit after enormously addictive hit was provided to the heaving crowd – each song carefully crafted and superbly presented by the three front-row singers; Songs like “Seeing is Believing”  with a choppy almost ska-like Jam-ish quality or the reverberating ‘No Mans Land’ with its solid chunks of bass – this set was an Aladdin’s Cave of gold-standard compositions, sprightly rhythms and catchy choruses. And yet these lads are strangely bereft of ego – they keep their feet firmly on the ground and their minds on their work.

The Audio Video Disco song-book is not only essential listening material but also joyful and zingy enough to get us all dancin’ along. At times the tunes deliver the power and the punch  of a cage-fighter. And when this electric train of a sound whooshes towards us, the jolt of energy is enough to bust through our defences…. delivering smiles of wonder and surprise.

Drums dazzle with exuberance on tracks like ‘Five Years Gone’ with its twinkling start flapping up into a headrush of verse.  The tunes nag at you like a big sister on school-night and soar upwards like a kite fitted with an afterburner. The Audio Video Disco tunes are sewn together tighter than Dita Von Teese’s bodice and are twice as thrilling.

Top drawer stuff from this hypnotic and high achieving young band.

© Neil_Mach
February 2010

Link:

http://www.myspace.com/audiovideodiscouk

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Audio Video Disco – Hob Staines

Music for girls Who can’t keep their pants on!

Staines Hobgoblin. Sunday March 29th 2009

This band don’t have to hammer on about ugly slappers ruining their lives or losing their jobs at the local Aldi store because they have already got it all … they have no concerns or worries. They are like your luckier, better dressed, more talented, richer cousins.They possess good looks, white teeth, glossy hair (just look at that sheen) and those re-usable bags of personality you have to pay extra for at the check-out.  They exude success. In fact, considering how successful this band looks and feels, it was surprising how so few girlies turned out to see Audio Video Disco at The Hob Staines 29th March. They are happy to sing happy songs for happy people.

Richard Berkshire is the smiling pretty-boy frontman on the Fender. Richard formed the quartet in 2007 with buddy Matt O’Daly, the lead guitarist on the happy strat. This was after playing acoustic duo together and dreaming of the day they would form a band. Frizzy haired grinner Tom Smith plays the snappy drums and was ‘allowed’ his own microphone on Sunday -to provide backing vocals. Adam Linton is the bass player, playing poetic bass-lines on his trusty Yamaha, and also supplying the cheeky smiles to the sparse spattering of girls in the front row.

Audio Video Disco tunes are as catchy as summer colds and sweet enough to make your teeth rot. The sounds remind me of ‘The Rembrandts’ but with a little more edge. There are large chunks of ‘The Pixies’ in the mixing bowl too! As the lads suggest, this is music “For girls Who can’t keep their pants on” and they play it hard and play it fair. Rolling, rattling percussion foams like a pint of the best house bitter, while shimmering strings and jangle-pop arrangements keep the smiles on the faces of the punters and the claps high in the air.  I particularly appreciated the squelchy and squeezey rhythms and the clever bass-lines. Some of the AVD songs seem to be quite folk-rocky in essence with an adventurous bass – more pizz than pizzle – playing footsie with the rhythm lines and clear-as-day lyrics spotlighted by that bright and breezy accompaniment.

The rattling alt/indie tunes came as clean and as clear as a spring morning in Heston and the fast-paced zingy chords – Richard and Matt giving them a good fingerin’ – were as bright and crisp as one of your Dad’s newly starched shirts. The AVD boys have a lightness and gentleness to their sound that seems to promote a sense of real hope, joy and affection in the Staines crowd. As a ‘Beat Six’ ballerino took himself up to the front, to jiggle and jive to the sounds, it was clear that this is a band full of good intentions and good-natured fun.

There is no doubt that Audio. Video. Disco. are fast becoming a very successful act and will soon be moving into the big-boys locker room. In the meantime, try to catch them as soon as… (Psst… they are playing the Rock Goblin Easter All-Dayer in April.)

Love the work!

© Neil_Mach

March 2009

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5 Things – This Week in Staines

1.

Energetic Ska Band – Live in Staines

Truebeat
Mar 26 2009
Hobgoblin
Staines

With ANONYMOUS TIP & DEAD IDENTITIES

TrueBeat are refreshing new ska band from West London breaking onto the scene as ska makes a real comeback.

Their sound is lively and energetic with a wide range of influences – so put on your skankin shoes as this is real get on the dance floor …

SKA! They have recently recorded their first EP which has had a fantastic reception and they are definitely a band to keep a close eye on. … they went down a treat last time they were in town so don’t miss ’em this time!

Link:

www.myspace.com/truebeatuk

http://www.buckleuppromotions.com

2.

Classic Rock Power Trio…  Live at Windsor

Riff Raff
Mar 27 2009
Old Ticket Hall
Windsor



Classic Rock is the best music on the planet.  Period.

RIFF RAFF show it due respect with a no-nonsense delivery that tells it like it is – straight ahead rock from the classic power trio format, superbly played. They pay tribute to (but don’t copy) some of the best known (and some less obvious) rock tunes. With former pro credentials and years of experience working throughout Europe and elsewhere, in diverse acts, RIFF RAFF really know what they are doing – telling the story of rock, from its sixties beginnings, through the “classic” glory years, and up to the nineties.

If you enjoy Led Zeppelin, Free, Wishbone Ash, Cream and their contemporaries, you’re going to love RIFF RAFF.

DJ PLAYING 80’s & 90’s HITS – BAR OPEN TILL 2AM

http://www.myspace.com/riffraffrockband

3.

Melodic Indie Pop- Live in Staines

Audio Video Disco
Mar 29 2009
Hobgoblin
Staines

Audio.Video.Disco. are a new breath of fresh air to the indie, pop genre, not afraid of writing catchy melodies and annoyingly difficult to pigeon-hole, they are a cut-above the norm.

Formed mid-way through 2007 when duo Matt O’Daly and Richard Berkshire moved away from their acoustic roots and decided to start a proper band. In stepped Adam Linton (bass) and Tom Smith (drums). The line-up was complete.

Now having already played alongside Alphabeat, a set at the illustrious Clapham Grand and a headline show at the Astoria 2, this band have already attracted the attention of producer/engineer Phil English. The band recorded their current EP at
Phil’s Alexander Sound Studio in Milton Keynes.

Their EP launch was a huge sell out success and the band sold more tickets than when Hard-Fi played the same venue. Now with a solid fan base built up over the past year the band are set to make some serious waves amongst the current crop of bands coming out of the West-London area.

Links:

http://www.myspace.com/audiovideodiscouk

http://www.buckleuppromotions.com

4.

Exciting Blues Rock – Live Ascot

Robin BiBi
Mar 28 2009
Jagz
Ascot

Because of the band’s growing reputation with a highly entertaining stage presentation, the Robin Bibi Band are becoming one of the busiest bands round this area and have succesfully broken into the festival scene.

The Bibi Band’s live line up is subject to occasional regional changes. Robin can be seen playing with some of the best musicians around – Geoff Cooper, Martin York, Paul Robinson, Chris Bellshaw, Pete Shaw, Jonathan Banks, Darby Todd and Ed Spevok. The tried and tested trio format gives each member the space to stretch out and express themselves musically.

It’s exuberant passionate, dynamic, exciting and fun! It’s music played straight from the heart, it will move your head, your heart and of course your feet!

Show will start at 8.45
Ticket cost: £8.00
Doors open from 7.30pm. £26 for 2 courses and entrance (£30 for 3 courses). Entrance for the bands is £8 but is strictly limited and on a first come first served basis. Entrance for dining or just the band INCLUDES free entrance to the nightclub

Link:

http://www.robinbibiband.co.uk/

5.

Tenor Sax Sounds –  Live Jazz at Ascot

Simon Spillett
Quartet
Mar 29 2009
Jagz
Ascot

Simon Spillett is a great tenor saxman and has been on the London scene for a few years now and already a favorite at JAGZ. Many years ago he even attended the jazz workshop at JAGZ. His band this week includes John Citchinson, piano, Andrew Cleyndert, bass, and Spike Wells, drums.

Sunday, 29th March
Show will start at 1pm to 3.30pm
Ticket cost: £6.00
Special – entrance and roast lunch £12

Links:

http://www.simonspillett.com/

http://www.jagz.co.uk

–Visit AdPontes-Staines Regularly for Staines Arts–

5 Things – This Week in Staines

1.

‘Jam’ with everything – Guildford

Jam DRC (The Jam Tribute)
Jan 10 2009      8:00P The Boileroom     Guildford. Surrey

Jam DRC is the foremost Jam covers band and this week you have a chance to catch the band at Guildford.

A mutual love for The Jam is the driving force behind The Jam DRC. Named after the 5CD box set, which gathers together pretty much everything the Jam ever recorded, The Jam DRC are Jam fans playing Jam songs.

Links:

http://www.myspace.com/jamdrc

The Boileroom, 13 Stokefields, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4LS

http://www.theboileroom.net/

2.

MONKEYSUIT MUSIC- WITH DJ Mark is Egg

10 Jan 7:00 Firestation Arts Centre, Windsor – The Tripwires

You know MONKEYSUIT for their outstanding events at The Oakford Social Club and so we are very happy to have them nearby at WINDSOR

The Monekysuit headliners have yet to be confirmed but Tripwires and The Good Natured are all on board, as are Monkeysuit’s resident DJ’s DJ Mark Is Egg and The Plundercats, so pretty convinced this is going to smash it!

Links:

http://www. myspace. com/monkeysuitmusic

http://www. myspace. com/tripwires

http://www. myspace. com/thegoodnatured

Tickets £5 (all ages) and more info from http://www. firestationartscentre. com

3.

Classic Rock, Funk and Soul –  Windsor

10 Jan 2009 9:00P  DOUBLE JD at THE OLD TICKET HALL, WINDSOR  £3

Double JD are one of the premier covers bands in the south of England. Too many bands play what they want to play – they play what you want to hear! Their brand of high energy Rock, Soul, Funk and Blues covers will have you singing and dancing from the start.

You can’t beat variety. These boys will ensure that you will never be more than a song or two away from one you know and love. How many bands play Wilson Picket, then Elvis? Or Cream then Stevie Wonder? They will want you to have a good time and to do that, they will keep the set fresh, upbeat, dancable and full of huge sing-alongs.

If you miss ’em at Windsor – try to catch ’em here:

Fri 23 Jan – The Stag, Farnham Common 9:00P

Sat 7 Feb  – Wooburn Club, Wooburn Green 9:00P

Sat 28 Feb – The Walnut Tree, Bourne End 9:00P

Sat 28 Mar – The Horns, Watford 8:00P

Fri 10 Apr – The Stag, Farnham Common 9:00P

Links:

http,//www.doublejd.com/

4.

Local Indie Rock Legends – in Windsor

09 JAN 2009 09:00P – AUDIO VIDEO DISCO at OLD TICKET HALL WINDSOR
with fiN

Old Ticket Hall – Windsor
01753 854554

Audio.Video.Disco. are a new breath of fresh air to the indie, pop genre, not afraid of writing catchy melodies and annoyingly difficult to pigeon-hole, they are a cut-above the norm.Formed mid-way through 2007 when duo Matt O’Daly and Richard Berkshire moved away from their acoustic roots and decided to start a proper band. In stepped Adam Linton (bass) and Tom Smith (drums). The line-up was complete.

Now having already played alongside Alphabeat, a set at the illustrious Clapham Grand and a headline show at the Astoria 2, this band have already attracted the attention of producer/engineer Phil English. The band recorded their current EP at
Phil’s Alexander Sound Studio in Milton Keynes.

Their EP launch was a huge sell out success and the band sold more tickets than when Hard-Fi played the same venue. Now with a solid fan base built up over the past year the band are set to make some serious waves amongst the current crop of bands coming out of the West-London area.are a new breath of fresh air to the indie, pop genre, not afraid of writing catchy melodies and annoyingly difficult to pigeon-hole, they are a cut-above the norm. Formed mid-way through 2007 when duo Matt O’Daly and Richard Berkshire moved away from their acoustic roots and decided to start a proper band. In stepped Adam Linton (bass) and Tom Smith (drums). The line-up was complete. Now having already played alongside Alphabeat, a set at the illustrious Clapham Grand and a headline show at the Astoria 2, this band have already attracted the attention of producer/engineer Phil English. The band recorded their current EP at Phil’s Alexander Sound Studio in Milton Keynes. Their EP launch was a huge sell out success and the band
sold more tickets than when Hard-Fi played the same venue.

Now with a solid fan base built up over the past year the band are set to make some serious waves amongst the current crop of bands coming out of the West-London area.

About fiN – Extract from Staines Blog – for full review click here

The fiN song-book is replete with the kind of discordant harmonic treasures born from a day of muted pleasures out on the Bedfont Lakes. Their sounds contain a heartfelt diet of melodic instrumentation and a fullness and roundness of experimental rhythm, jarred in all the right places by periodic gusts of sheer power – broken up by sudden unexplained lulls. In fact, their music is, at  times, like that most treasured of all things – an almost perfect English summer’s day – in that it is menacingly fragile and always on the verge of predictable heartaching tragedy.
[ © Neil_Mach 2009 ]

Links:

http://www.myspace.com/audiovideodiscouk

http://uk.youtube.com/fintelevision


5.

Plug in to ‘AC/DC’ live at Rising Sun, Slough

THE DONKEYS Sat 10 Jan: Rising Sun, Slough

The Donkeys are a four-piece rock covers band from Essex featuring tracks by Ac/Dc. Led Zep. Metallica. Free. Bad company. Iron Maiden. Ect. + many more.
The band is in it’s 15th year and cover some 70 gigs a year.

——————–

–Visit AdPontes-Staines Regularly for Staines Arts–