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Kaito / Seedling / Econoline / Zoppo - Bath, Moles Thursday 31st October 2002 Someone told me before hand that if you couldn't see their faces, you would swear that first band Zoppo were really Sebadoh, and that is no understatement. Zoppo are a four piece from the Netherlands, they've got hair, and they know how to use it. Pulling out the lo-fi alt-rock safety card and relying heavily on Sebadoh's 'Bakesale' era sound, it's nothing life changing, but they do it to fine effect. Econoline seem to be on a quest to have their music heard at every single indie club in the land, and tonight they add another notch to the bedpost. Econoline have a knack of rising to any occasion, so true to form, the Halloween attire is on. From Valentina's witches hat, to Ian's horns, topped off by Piers' Napalm Death style wig (pictures coming!), the show is off to a good start. After seeing them live many times now, this has to be the loudest I've ever experienced them, but it does nothing to harm the quality songs, by what has to be one of the finest small bands in this country. From old singles 'EMV' and 'I'm Plagued', to the swirling emo of album opener 'The C And The G', even some new songs including standout track 'Chicks Dig Scars', watching the development of this band is a pleasure. The highlight of the set, and I'm not the first to say this, is album and set closer 'Buddy Bradley'. This song is so sinister, building from a quiet tale of wonder, into a wall of sound with growls Ian MacKaye would be proud of. If their whole tour was this good, hopefully people will start to take note. Seedling were supposed to be headlining, but they didn't, I don't know why, but it doesn't matter because I managed to miss them anyhow. Sorry! So to newly promoted headliners Kaito. Somehow I've managed to miss Kaito until now, and looking back I'm pretty bothered by this because, well to be frank, they're so fucking good! Its hard to describe, but they're appeal definitely has something to do with my Elastica fantasy being extended some more. There's something about the way lead singer/guitarist Nikki does a kind of giggle at the end of words sometimes, which makes me smile like a Cheshire cat. They play rather juicy pop in the style of the aforementioned Elastica, along with elements of Sonic Youth. Maybe a pop Bikini Kill would make more sense. (Well it seems to now anyhow!) Whatever, they do manage to get the room bouncing, and in the hobbit-hole style confines of this venue that is no small task! dthomas

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