Dreaming Spires @ The Art Room, Oxford

To begin with, an interest to declare, Robin of the Spires made me a coffee whist I was having earlier in the day a mid morning chat with his mother in law and our neighbour, a good cup it was too.
A quick thirty five minute (?) set with one number merging into the next showcasing both songs from 'Brothers in Brooklyn' and the yet to be released new album. The influences were clear to be heard, Dave Crosby, Jayhawks, Bryds etc but did I even hear The Zombies in one number? Mumford and Sons can get Grammys, with more exposure I do not see why the Spires can not achieve that level of recognition. To get there, they need that extra dynamic in their live sound, and like SoB who followed, a keyboard player could be the answer.
All the songs were strong, from their signature 'Not Every Song From the Sixties Is A Classic' through to the finale 'Dusty in Memphis' (I think I heard correctly), all well received and should be heard by a wider audience. Go see them if you get the chance.

Sons of Bill @ The Art Room, Oxford

Recommended by the guys that run the coolest hairdressing salon in Oxford (that's if you are a man of a certain age) a few weeks earlier this became a must see gig when I realised the Dreaming Spires were supporting. If it was not for illness would have seen them two days earlier in London, but Friday night it was to be down on the ever alive Cowley Road and The Bully in its new form of The Art Room (no real change except for the front of the building had changed from black to white).
So Sons of Bill, a band never heard of consisting of three brothers (unlike DS's two) and two others crammed onto the small stage with bass, keyboards and even the lead singer crammed stage left with the drummer and lead guitarist, with a rather large array of pedals and with twice as much space, stage right and centre. probably accounted for by the fact that they had four distinct followers whooping and hollering right in front of them.
Started impressively enough, but got somewhat lost in the middle to the extent that I went and sat down. Then two surprisingly very good ballads and a strong finish. The extra dynamic of the keyboard player varying between a church/gospel sound through to calm electronic patterns making all the difference to their sound.
And like the Spires before them, worth checking out.

The Lego movie

A very well made and funny movie, thoroughly enjoyed it even though laughing made my hacking cough worse.
This may appear to be a children's film, but it's message is clearly aimed at adults.

8.4 / 10