Despite having seen them about nine times at this stage, Plaid still managed to impress me last Saturday in the TBMC. The show kicked off with an empty stage, empty save for their video artist Bob who was tucked away at the side, an animated short was shown featuring Super Barrio, a Mexican Wrestler fighting “The Man” in a ring being watched by all of Mexico. It was a well produced start, Ed and Andy then took to the stage and went through a show of mostly new material that I hadn’t heard before, with the odd thing I did recognise, their remix of John Tejada’s Mono on Mono, New Family off their 2001 Double Figure Album and ending off the night with Marry from their Spoke’s album. As a longterm Plaid fan (ask Simon F!) I’d have loved to have heard some more of the older stuff, but I understand how acts can get fed up touring and playing the same stuff over and over again. Plaid kept it mostly fresh and I’d be interested in checking out their new album/DVD thing, but it’d be nice if the audio came out on vinyl too (hint hint lads!)

The TBMC was pretty full for their gig and it was a bit mental up the front, a very strong smell of poppers, boy do I hate the stink of that stuff but a lot of people couldn’t get enough of one particular suspect bottle that was doing the rounds (ask Simon F!).

In other news Electric City are back this Thursday, beginning their new night in Wax with an all residents special of Giles Armstrong, Simon Conway, Dan Power, Barry Donovan and Eddie Brennan. Email electricitypromotions@eircom.net for special opening night free entry bonus magic!