Lo-Ego

When LeftLion first asked me to venture out into town and tap into Nottingham's vibrant live music scene, I was quite excited. How unbelievably cool it would be, I thought, frequenting the city's best venues, finger on the pulse, meeting all of our finest home-grown talent. I imagined the buzz of watching and drawing attention to a band, in its infancy, which would clearly be destined to become the next big thing to come out of Nottingham...

`The next big thing to come out of Nottingham'... why was it, that these few words went through my mind with a sizzling sound and the odour of vaporized urine arising from my bonfire? The next big thing? Christ on a Grifter, What was the last?! Okay, quiz time, can anyone tell me the name of the last Nottingham supergroup?

Thought not. KWS (remember them?) and Vanilla (No Way No Way, m'nur m'nur, d'doo d'doodoo) were not big, very shit things.

Now, I know that the music industry's a tough old nut to crack, but I've seen no (other) evidence in my life to suggest that people in Notts have any less inherent musical talent than people in any other region. So how else can this poor track record be explained? I've absolutely no idea. But I can tell you that if it isn't set to change soon, then there would have to be something dark and sinister and grossly unfair happening. I say this because I believe that, on the strength of their music and the power of their live show, if Lo Ego shouldn't sell records, then Mr. Kipling shouldn't bake cakes.

The young Notts five piece, if you haven't already seen or heard of them, are widely considered to be the most exciting band in this fair city at this time. Having seen them three times in rapid succession, I know why.

At every gig, whether being supported or more than ably supporting, Lo Ego steal the show with their (hard to describe) unconventional, indie-rock-ish sound. The songwriting is intelligent and original, bravely avoiding a traditional pop verse-chorus-verse format. In spite of this divergence, however, the melodies still manage to lodge themselves in the mind, and the heart (Sycamore and Death To Your Lies being the `Ego ditties I've been humming and singing to myself incessantly since the second gig). As for the quality and consistency of their performances, they are simply a joy to watch. The band are so together you could believe them to be recently separated Siamese quintuplets.

They have a rare, charismatic, phenomenally energetic and quite bonkers looking front man, Martin Collins. Clearly comfortable in his role and an obvious natural, Martin's animated performance is both passionate and polished. He guarantees the crowd's attention and musically the whole band reward it. Quieter but no less impressive is younger sibling Stephen Collins on guitar, keyboards and vocals. Talented family, and thoroughly nice lads too.

The remaining three members: Stefan Bullivant, guitars; Adam Pugsley, bass; and Jack Atherton, Drums, also seem perfectly at home on stage. Indeed, it's hard to pick fault anywhere at all. If the band had one tiny weakness it would be that perhaps Adam's stance can get a few degrees too much width. I'm reminded of the crazy-wide BMX handlebars which looked so cool when I was ten, but nowadays would just look ridiculous. It's similar with guitaring postures. Apologies, Adam, it's probably just me, I'm sure Megadeath's Dave Mustane would rate it... The Lo Ego boys all rock anyway, whether their plates are planted at shoulder width or Nile Delta width, and I watch and listen, simply astounded. The bass, like the other parts, sounds great, so the lad can stand how he likes.

Check the listings and go to see Lo Ego. Or, alternatively, wait `til they're on MTV and then wish you could say along with the others that you `were there when...', and `saw them for three quid'. Because if there's any justice at all in the music world, they'll get there, I'll be right, my humble dream will come true and we can all forget about KWS...

www.lo-ego.com