Pete WiseI think it’s fair to say that on the face of it York has a lot going for it. History. Creativity. The National Railway Museum. All of these things are pretty ace, but I still think we’re probably lacking something – namely, a touch of glamour. We’re great at charm but maybe not so hot on charisma. Fortunately we have Berlin Black and the Shades of Grey to take care such things on our behalf. Featuring flamboyant frontman and ex-Screaming Banshee Aircrew guitarist Chris Tuke alongside a polished group of musicians including ex-AKP frontman and generally enviable guitar virtuoso Alexander King, BB&TSOG are heavyweights of the local music scene and are continually accruing a broader fanbase on the goth/glam-rock scene nationwide.
I must confess to having never seen this band live (I AM going to see them support The Eden House at the Duchess on March 1st, you should join me), but given the CVs of the musicians involved I’m pretty certain it can only be good. One thing I do know for sure is that they sound pretty brilliant in an mp3 format. The band’s most recent EP ‘The Only Ones’ is a highly polished effort which sounds a bit like what might have happened had the Sex Pistols been tutored in how to actually play musical instruments by The Cure. Which for me is a pretty sumptuous thought.
There’s a retro and very British feel throughout Berlin Black’s music with a Bowie/Bolan influence characterising some of Tuke’s sure-footed vocal work, but there’s also a driving sense of rhythm to some songs that’s more CBGB’s than Camden Town. Taking in to account that the live Berlin Black experience would entail all of the above served up with seasoned stagecraft and industrial quantities of hairspray, its fair to say that I’m pretty excited that I’m going to see these guys play in a few weeks time. Currently working on a new EP and planning to air some new material in London this Friday, Berlin Black & The Shades of Grey look set to progress rather significantly this year. Time to ditch the foul-smelling real ale and lad rock and embrace a little glamour folks.
There are Berlin Black-related things to read and listen to here.
To show them your support and ensure they make the one-off gig on March 15th, “like”, “share”, and “tweet” this article. All the other entries to 29 Days of Local Music can be viewed here.
