GIG REVIEW: Jonny Cola & the A Grades, The Duel, Sigue Sigue Sputnik. Madame JOJO’S, LONDON. Thursday 13TH Febuary 2014

GIG REVIEW:

JONNY COLA & THE A GRADES
THE DUEL
SIGUE SIGUE SPUTNIK
MADAME JOJO’S, LONDON. THURSDAY 13TH FEBRUARY 2014

BY ANNE FOREST

At the end of January at Cargo, when Jonny Cola told of how proud he was to be supporting Sigue Sigue Sputnik, the excitement built up to what turned out to be a fantastic night indeed.

JONNY COLA &; THE A GRADES Copyright Anne Forest

Jonny Cola & the A Grades were the first to come on stage last night in the beautiful art deco venue Madame Jojo’s in Soho. Clearly humbled by the significance of this event in their career, their set covered part of their recent deservedly critically acclaimed album ” Spitfire “as well as their catchiest songs “Halo “and ” Marlborough Road. ” What makes this band so exciting to see is not only their great music, but also how closely they engage with their audience.

Since the first time I saw them last year, I have always been impressed, and it is interesting to witness them developing their on stage persona. The future looks very bright for them.

Next up were The Duel, a powerful punk band fronted by the sensational rock chick, and organiser of the night’s event, Tara Rez. Full of

The Duel – Copyright Anne Forest

energy on stage, she played to a growing audience, singing songs from their 4th (and newest) album, ” Soundtrack to the End of the World (The Zak Splash Story) » released last year, when they went on tour and supported Sylvain Sylvain of the New York Dolls at the prestigious 100 Club.

Finally came the time to rediscover the 80’s spaceship world of Sigue Sigue Sputnik, minus the presence of their guitarist. They incensed the crowd from the first moment, playing their classics : ” 21st Century Boy” ” Sex Bomb Boogie, “and of course, ” Love Missile F1-11, ” and even treated us with a cover of The Clash “I Fought the Law”

“I thought it was Valentine’s day today ” said singer Martin Degville, ” so everyone gets a free CD ! ” It was nice to see them clearly enjoying being back on stage, connecting with an audience who was equally happy to see them play in such an intimate venue.

As for band news and future events are concerned, Jonny Cola & the A Grades will be playing at the Buffalo Bar, Friday 28th February. The Duel and Tara Rez organise very popular punk-themed DJ nights every Monday at the 12 Bar in Denmark Street, and Sigue Sigue Sputnik has released a new album called “Electronic DNA, ” but sadly had to cancel their next show at The Cross in Moseley 12th April…however, a well-informed little mouse told me that there are plans to invite them to play a gig in London soon.