Send us your Reviews

Reviews

1. PRESS RELEASE. Joe Lean and the Jing jang Jong @ Warwick Students’ Union   25th April 2008
   Joe Lean’s inimitable ‘Jing Jang Jong’ have been touted by every major publication as one of the names to watch this year. Already a major favourite at indie club nights everywhere with their anthem Lucio Starts Fires, the band recently bagged second billing on the prestigious NME Awards Tour, playing to packed houses up and down the country alongside The Cribs, The Ting-Tings and Does It Offend You, Yeah?, as well as high-profile support-slots with Kaiser Chiefs, CSS and Babyshambles.
   The Jing Jang Jong check all the boxes for indie kudos with a sound that’s totally contemporary: all breakneck guitars, whipcrack drums and hummable melodies. What sets them apart from the current crop is their desire to draw on a host of influences dating right back to pop’s heyday in the 1960s. As the drummer for doo-wop revival babes The Pipettes, Joe Lean evidently learned a thing or two about retro chic, and it really shows in his band’s effortless appropriation of elements from artists as diverse as Smokey Robinson, Dion & The Belmonts and surf-pop king Dick Dale.
   That they were swiftly snapped up by Razorlight’s current label should give you an indication of the kind of big things that are being forecast by Mystic Megs from all corners of the music industry. Upcoming single Lonely Buoy looks set to rocket them further towards indie superstardom, so we’re very excited to be able to offer you the opportunity to catch this band in the kind of intimate setting they won’t be playing in for much longer.
   
   
   
2. Honeytrap @ Oxjam, The Jug and Jester (live music)  
   A musical journey travelling from melancholy to the sometimes desperate, comprising an impressive violin player backed with looping guitars, drummer and supported by well harmonised vocals. Add a smack of Eastern European folk, a bit of ‘Queen’ for drama and an angst ‘Pixies’ twist and we were hooked from start to finish. honeytraponmyspace
   Reviewed by Jonathan
   
   
3. The Darjeeling LTD by Wes Anderson (Cinema)   12th Dec 2007
   Welcome to Wes’ world. ‘The Darjeeling LTD’ uncovers layers of emotion as three estranged Whitman brothers go on a spiritual journey to India. Francis, the eldest, has bullied his brothers into a train trip on the Darjeeling Limited as a bonding adventure; the privileged, narcotized boys drag their heavy Louis Vuitton luggage from stop to stop with the dramatic background of the Rajasthan landscape. This film skilfully blends an excellent soundtrack, exemplary acting, humour with heartbreak, beauty with sadness with an undercurrent of melancholy.
   Reviewed by Playing Out
   
   
4. Jose Gonzales @ Warwick Arts Centre  19th Oct 2007
   The Bouncy Ball man played more ambient acoustical noises. Beautifully pure and simple, Jose proved that he is much more then just a man with a guitar and a laptop. It was a musical journey well worth taking.
   Reviewed by Zoe
   
   
5. Leamington Peace Festival @ Pump Room Gardens  16th & 17th Jun 2007
   Considering it was a bit of a wash out to begin with, bags of fun was still had by all (the magners, yummy food stalls and frizbee helped!). Definitely not impressed by the guy who tried to nick me mates bag though. That's not very peaceful is it?
   Reviewed by Dave
   
   
6. Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’ by Heartbreak productions @ Jephson Gardens  7th Jun 2007
   We turned up armed with a battered copy of the romantic comedy ‘Twelfth Night’ (knowing little about the play) and with a bottle of red wine (in case it got cold) not quite knowing what to expect. Heartbreak Productions had made very good use of a little piece of ‘Jephson gardens’ which had been pleasantly transformed into a setting of a small, outdoor fantasy theme park, based on the theme of ‘obsession’. As the play unfolded it took a rollercoaster of a ride into the confusion created by identical twins, mistaken identities, cross-dressing maidens and bizarre love triangles. The pace is upbeat, the performance quirky and imaginative with some comedy moments provided by the reprobate uncle ‘sir Toby belch’, the witty commentator ‘Feste’ donning mirror shades and some crazy Elvis hairdos. We particularly enjoyed the frequent musical accompaniment and the fisty cuffs scene. Never a dull moment, original, down to earth and hugely accessible, a million miles better than staying in and watching Big Brother. This production is one to see this summer. Don’t forget a bottle of wine!
   Reviewed by Playing Out Dream Team
   
   
7. Leamington Bar & Grill  24th Feb 2007
   Nice food, good service, reasonable prices, plush ambiance. I had the salmon and seasonal vegetables; new potatoes, french beans and peas. Seasonal vegetables in February, eh? Perhaps 'seasonal' in Africa. What a con.
   Reviewed by Lord Sir Percival
   
   
8. Spa Tickles @ The Jug & Jester (Comedy)  25th Jan 2007
   Leamington was treated to top comedy last Thursday with the best line-up in Spa Tickles history. Although Stephanie Davies got off to a bit of a shakey start, we all enjoyed Sam Avery and were delighted by the strange humour of Men With Bananas, a very quirky double act with a song we all walked home singing (too rude to be repeated here). The highlight of the evening was no doubt Robin Ince. You might know him from Radio 4's The In Crowd, 4 At The Store and The 11 O'Clock Show. He was polished, witty and judged the Leamington crowd perfectly (note to comedians - we are bored with you coming here and saying "ooo, Leamington spa, aren't you all posh"). Although he was supposed to be trying out new jokes on us, he realised towards the end of his set that he hadn't really tried much new material. To that end, he whipped out a notebook and threw some amusing observations at us, although how the note-to-self saying simply "Indonesia" will turn into comedy material, we will probably never know! Anyway, Spatickles can be hit and miss, but an evening of this quality is worth many months of misses! Try it.
   Reviewed by Anna B
   
   
9. The Grudge 2 (Film)  3rd Jan 2007
   More water and long hair to freak you out. Shimizu has ticked nearly every box to make this horror movie; girl appears in cheer leader outfit for no apparent reason (tick), girl hears footsteps running about upstairs (tick), girl gets attacked in the shower (tick), girl in bed thinks it’s her boyfriend under the covers only for him to appear from the bathroom (tick), person gets chased up to the roof only to fall off (tick), and an exorcist who sees dead people and dies (tick). Formulaic, not scary. 1 out of 5.
   Reviewed by Jonesy
   
   
10. The Post War Years @ Bath Plug (Bath Place Community Adventure)  17th Nov 2006
    It's hard to pin down The Post War Years' sound. Their music rides down different streets in a beaten up Sierra. It's back to the days of punk and mod rhythms with a bit of a surprise and a couple of big hair dos thrown in; knees up numbers with the occasional indie twist, that'll knock you into a pork pie frenzy. The stage performance was professional, alive, welcoming and playful, working with the crowd encouraging us to have a bit of a bounce and join in - Thank **** for bands like The Post War Years. Without them Leamington would be a much duller place.
    Reviewed by Playing Out
    
    
11. Anominous, Nomiart Opening Exhibition (Nomiart, 131-133 Regent Street East)   7th Oct 2006
    The opening evening of new artspace Nomiart. An eclectic experience, the evening featured live graffiti, DJs, live music from Dr Iver, a stand up poet and a Parisian street style portraitist. My particular favourite was the energetic Congolese performance artist engaged in an impressive wiggly pas de deux with a male fashion designer clad only in pants, jacket and makeup. An exceptional and unique atmosphere. Go and take a look at this exhibition.
    Reviewed by Melissa. See the photos.
    
    
12. The Carter Manoeuvre @ Listen Up (Jug & Jester)   16th October 2006
    'Listen Up' - the great new name for live music Mondays at the Jug. I arrived late, only got to see The Carter Manoeuvre, who were really good. So good I bought their CD. A little bit Muse, a little bit Catherine Wheel (I thought), a little bit of vocal mic feedback. A good gig. Every fortnight I understand, n'est pas?
    Reviewed by Em (email)
    
    
13. Pub quiz @ The Somerville Arms   26th September 2006
    First place was a tie with 65 points, and then us with 60 points - which was enough to win us each a free cinema ticket - no need to do the lottery this week eh! A good time was had by all and we would thoroughly recommend it but only to you guys as it was packed and we liked it too much to tell anyone else about it - ssh! :)
    Reviewed by Win (email)
    
    
14. Thank You For Smoking (15) @ Warwick Arts Centre   2nd August 2006
    Jason Reitman's directorial debut follows the exploits of Nick Naylor, a cigarette industry lobbyist as he examines his role as father and role model. A light-hearted satirical comedy with dark undertones of a bleak corporate America and flawed Americana. The story avoids asserting its own political message, playing with correctness itself in a refreshingly open depiction of issues typically vilified by Hollywood. The clever script, sleek perceptive stylisation and a star studded ensemble (William H Macy, Robert Duvall and Katie Holmes) engender an interesting, enjoyable film. Not mind blowing but fast paced and worth a look. America is living in spin.
    Reviewed by Kate (email)
    
    
15. Emma's party @ The Debonair   17th May 2006
    emmas party @ the debonair: top night/morning
    Reviewed by Suzzanna FP (web)
    Wow, what a truly unfogettable night. Fantastic music from phat controller and dj Bensun, wonderfull people and probably the friendliest pub in leamington. shout-out to holly and amber. probably the latest night of our young lives, lol.
    Reviewed by Jess T (Wark Uni Crew) (email)
    
    
16. Bar prices @ Mumbai Bluu   17th May 2006
    mumbai blue. im sorry but 3.15 for a pint of beer is robbery.
    Reviewed by Jamie (web)
    
    
17. Phat Controller @ The Debonair   28th Apr 2006
    The re-birth of ska, where it belongs.
    Reviewed by Amos (web)
    
    
18. Senser and Shed 7 @ The Colosseum (Coventry)   16th Apr 2006
    & lo! They went 2 the colosseum 2 witness much music. D'nite wz loud & senser rocked da house. & it was good. Shed 7 wrapped up & it was good too.
    Reviewed by Pete (SMS)
    
    
19. Grand Scheme and Salvador 6 @ St. Patrick's   14th Apr 2006
    As addictive as popping pink plastic bubble wrap (and you'll want to take a little piece with you to pop later). It's self-effacing Lollipop Hip Hop, suck em and see, leave your voodoo vengance at home and bring a sense of humour. Waxin magical lyrical is the source of their powers 'coz they've got a joke and it's funny'..... Compromising Pete Heat (Smiley Mcsmile face) and Browzen Brown 'spittin rhymes'. The Inimitable Bartus Groove and Sebby Incredible, strummin and the spirit of Dead Fred.
    Reviewed by Melissa (email)
    
    
20. A glut of Debonair   31st Mar 2006
    Little Hot,the Debonair, great atmoss, scary toilets, has character/rare! Reviewed by Jodie (web)
    Debonair, where's this place been all my life?! Reviewed by Suzzanne (web)
    Phat Controller@debonair. this band is really going places Reviewed by Liz (web)
    Little Hot @ debonair, great vibe, friendly but wild! and every month! Reviewed by Anon (web)
    Little Hot at the deb, top tunes,top staff and great babes everywhere Reviewed by Snevets (web)
    
    
21. Nights at the Circus @ Warwick Arts Centre   10th Mar 2006
    Knee High Theatre Company produces a sensuous, beautiful, rambling, fin-de-siècle mythology resplendent with burlesque trapeze angels, stoic Icelandic romantics and every freak of the circus. A physical, dramatic and musical spectacular set at the grubby end of the nineteenth century that embraces all of the decadence, revolutionary hope and sensuality of that era and wraps it up in a sparkling, fun, funny, sexy package.
    Reviewed by Sabellius Grunt (email)
    
    
22. Spa Tickles (comedy) @ Jug & Jester   23rd Feb 2006
    The best comedy line up I've ever seen at Spa Tickles. I'll be lobbying Okse for a swift return of Rob Ince, wow, very funny! Brian Gittins - odd but I'd love to see his act again. Top marks to Sarah Millican for finishing on a (funny) rape gag. And Dave Ingram, definitely a talent to watch.
    Reviewed by Micah (email)
    
    
23. The Mighty Boosh (theatre)   13th Feb 2006
    It's shambolic, endearing and utterly surreal. But at the same time it's so familiar it's like watching your mates pull off a bit of comedy magic. There's a casual feel, mad musical interludes, breakdancing yetis... Everything you could possibly need for a great evening. You'll be talking about it for ages - so many moments and snippets of script to remember. So if you get a chance to see this then go, just don't take any dolphins with you...
    Reviewed by Leighton (email)
    
    
24. Jerry Springer! The Opera   9th Feb 2006
    As fantastic as ever: so funny, so clever.
    Reviewed by Anna (SMS)
    
    
25. Boy gets Girl @ The Loft Theatre   8th Feb 2006
    A very powerful performance by the leading lady Teresa who is on a blind date with an over-eager Tony. It’s not a success on her part and she ends a relationship that has barely begun. As the play unravels Tony turns stalker, creepy and obsessive and Teresa becomes a shadow of her former self. A gripping and thought provoking play. We like!
    Reviewed by Melissa (email)
    
    
26. Underworld evolution @ Apollo cinema   2nd Feb 2006
    It's got vampires, werewolves, guns, explosions, gory dismemberments and a sexy leading lady. Not a lot of plot but hey, who needs that after a long week of work?
    Reviewed by Leighton (SMS)
    
    
27. Salvador 6 at St. Patricks (live music)  21st Jan 2006
    Where’s me jumper?? Where’s me jumper?? Dancing in the Disco…..!
    Reviewed by Pete (SMS)
    
    
28. Score (Baywatch themed) @ The Marketplace, Warwick Uni Students Union  11th Jan 2006
    Few nights in Warwickshire have such pulling power. On the packed main floor, Radio One DJ Scot Mills warmed up the party-hungry crowd with a varied set of popular tunes and a giant inflatable cock. Upstairs we elbowed ourselves some space and waited expectantly at the bar…and we waited and we waited. Tables stacked mile high with an array of empty plastic pint glasses and girls adorned in nothing much more than bikinis and grass skirts singing along. Shirts were off, hands were in the air and sex was dripping off the walls–pure Carnage!
    Reviewed by Undergrad Brad (email)
    
    
29. London Elektricity @ Warwick Uni Students Union  1st Dec 2005
    This wasn’t one of those hard, cyborg rages that so much drum and bass has become... rather a soulful orchestra recreating this essentially electronic music using live instruments, a funky personality and amazing interaction. London Elektricity proved that live drum and bass is a beautiful thing. Upon entering ‘The Cooler’ the room was bouncing like mad, hands flaying and the atmosphere was just incredible. The female vocalist added her own shot of soul by belting out the first words of ‘Different Drum’-The crowd went bananas in pyjamas! The producer of Hospital records a quirky Tony Coleman, enthusiastically directed the band with a cheeky glint in is eye, bouncing around the stage holding a large camouflage umbrella whilst mimicking singing in the rain. The whole room was bouncing with him as they were excited into singing the chorus to their rendition of the recent release ‘Spread Love’ (destined to be a classic). In my opinion, they spread a lot of love that night!
    Reviewed by Little Miss Melissa (email)
    
    
30. Bob Dylan @ NEC  Received 23rd Nov 2005
    I went to see Bob Dylan at the NEC. Sat at the back. Dylan hobbled out. Saw a see of mobile phone screens before me as the cameraphones were whipped out. have cameraphones replaced lighters in the world of stadium rock? If Dylan knows how to do anything else but tour he should go and do it now.
    Reviewed by Sabellius Grunt (email)
    
    
31. Phat Controller @ Jug & Jester  Thu 10th Nov 2005
    Take all the music you have ever heard and squeeze into the beats and lyrics of Ska, Electro and Soul and you may have something close to what ‘Phat Controller’ are setting out to achieve. This is no easy task for a five piece band. I call them a band but listening to them in the back room of the Jug, I felt myself slipping back to Notting Hill, that sound system feel that is synonymous with carnival. A rocky start with the sound, the band pulled back a quiet crowd with front folk Biggz, Leanne and Ola confidently engaging the room. Prince’s ‘Kiss’ cover mixed smooothly with white stripes 7 Nation Army gives this band’s covers an originality I found highly refreshing. Their own songs were just as captivating with a debut of there latest tune ‘Bittersweet’. The musical backing of Rapha L. and Dave Male give this band an air of originality. Samples from classics like James Brown mixed with the real life lyrics of the singer songwriter trio show that this band will do nothing but rise to greater heights . If you have the chance to see them snap it up, there aint many good Ska bands in leam let alone those that write their own lyrics.
    Reviewed by Fitz (email)
    
    
32. Elizabeth Town @ Apollo Cinema  Sun 6th Nov 2005
    There's nothing worse then a chick flick that claims it isn't a chick flick! Protracted, undisciplined, plotless with verbal-diarrhoeic dialogue, never-ending voiceover and a predictable 70's soundtrack. Kirsten Dunst dishes out trite *thoughts of day* and pursues Orlando Bloom with embarrassing persistance of 'The Terminator'. And is it just me? Or is there something sick about 2 lovers flirting cheekily in a funeral parlour whilst choosing an urn for his recently deseased dad?
    Reviewed by Meliko (email)
    
    
33. Carmen @ Warwick Arts Centre  Sat 5th Nov 2005
    What a shame,a totally `underwhelming` performance.
    Reviewed by Sarah (web)
    
    
34. Fono @ Murphy's Basement  (Music night) Sat 29th Oct 2005
    In a Seedy sweaty basement up town, Fono rinsed some of the best original Funk and Sweet Soul music.The crowd quite literally 'took it to the bridge' and didn't give a damn!
    Reviewed by Meliko (email)
    
    
35. Michael Nyman (The Piano sings tour) @ Warwick Arts Centre
    Oddly Astonishing! A bizarre enchanting mix of melody, rhythm and tempo, Supreme manual dexterity coupled with interesting vintage cinema. Genius!
    Reviewed by Pete (SMS)
    
    
36. Two Man Ting @ Bar Cuba  (Gig) Thu 27th Oct 2005
    Hard drum driven African noise played well and from the heart but over the heads of most of the punters.
    Reviewed by Alex B (SMS)
    
    
37. Spa Tickles @ Toyk  (Comedy) Thu 27th Oct 2005
    Okse presents: Jason Cook, Matt Price, Jo Coffey, Lou Chawner. £5 for 5 acts (if you include Okse) – now that’s really good value! All good acts, but the highlight of the night for me was Jo Coffey who was worth well over a quid! Nice beer, nice food, nice staff - it's what you come to expect from Toyk!
    Reviewed by Micah (email)
    
    
38. Jilted Generation @ The White Horse  (Live band) Wed 19th Oct 2005
    There's a certain courage in standing before 30 people, 15 of whom are oblivious to your presence, and performing with the same commitment that you would in a packed Madison Square Garden. It may be arrogance, it may be stupidity, but when you're angry and loud, talent and skill are far less important than confidence. Jilted Generation, performing at the White Horse on Thursday night, had arrogance and they had anger and that carried the set. The band never rose above the musical influences that they wore on their sleeve - principally the Prodigy - but they gave a solid show over digital backing with live momentum coming from drums, bass and vocals from a pair of ill tempered microphone monkeys.
    Reviewed by Sabellius Grunt (email)
    
    
39. The vegetable samosas @ Millennium Sweet Shop  (Take away) Thu 20th Oct 2005
    Trust me, you've never tasted samosas this fine! And at only 30p each you can buy half a dozen for a couple of quid! Mmmmm! They do nice sweets too!
    Reviewed by Micah (email)
    
    
40. The Fall of the House of Usherettes @ Warwick Arts Centre  (Theatre) Wed 19th Oct 2005
    Forkbeard yet again sucessfully serve up another well crafted blend of surrealist mixed media meyhem to an appreciative audience.
    Reviewed by Pete & Sarah (SMS)