I went to the Koko on Monday night for the filming of Channel 5's Album Chart Show. I must admit I wouldn't like to work on a TV music show like this as there is so much stopping and starting it drives you crazy. Anyway, to the music! The bands performed a three song 'mini-set' each, the openers Supergrass starting with the catchy glam-tinged 'Diamond Hoo Ha Man', followed by new single 'Bad Blood'. Gaz Coombs sounded excellent as always and it was good to see bassist Mick Quinn bending sexy basslines again after last year's freak injury forced the band to postpone their forcoming sixth studio album, which is due out 24th March.
Moloko's Róisín Murphy was next to enter the musical ring wearing a red boxing style robe that Mike Tyson would be proud of. I don't think her music would be his bag though somehow. She was accompanied by a strikingly beautiful (it would be crasse to write 'fit' I think...) backing singer who distracting slightly from Róisín's melodic meanderings, which sounded quite nice in her trademark glam '80s electro style.
We Are Scientists arrived with the Arctic Monkey's drummer Matt Helder in tow following the departure of Michael Tapper in November. The chemistry between the new trio was instant and thanks in part to Helders excellent stick-work, the sound was heavy and tight. Positive news for WAS fans who feared the band may quit last year is that the new material promises a rosy outlook for NY's coolest prep boys' second album.
