SUIT YOURSELF MAGAZINE ONLINE | Gig Review

Gig Review - Medallist

Thursday 25^th September 2008 @ Fleece, Bristol
With Support From: Thundershock, Camp America, The Transpersonals

To give a simple review of tonight’s gig would be to deny the crazy journey that has brought the band here. Imagine if you will that you’re talented musicians from Bristol, in the studio recording your first album. Everything is in place for your first UK tour, you’re set, ready for the big time…then your label drops the bombshell; “We’ve gone bust. Go home. No-one’s getting paid…” Youch! For some bands this would be the end, the killing blow, but not for Medallist. They’ve got up, dusted themselves off and are hitting the road anyway, full of hope and promise. Tonight’s event is a free gig where the footage is being recorded for a live video EP, available soon from their MySpace.

So, back in the Fleece and, maybe I’m getting old, but I can’t help feeling I’ve walked into an Avril Lavigne stage show and I don’t like it. Thundershock are all good individually, but this enthusiastic ‘power-pop’ rock just isn’t my bag. The lead singer’s over-rehearsed moves get my goat and her shameless plugging does not get the best reaction from the crowd.

Now for a welcome change of tack; synth-pop 2-piece Camp America take the stage and in their opener they win me over. In the past the band have had guest vocals, but Steve is now taking on this challenge – as well as keys, synth and bass. It is perhaps a challenge too far and as a result is the weakest part of the set, but this 2 piece could be an amazing 3 piece! The tunes (and the drummer) bring a smile to my face and the 5 track EP is a much appreciated souvenir.

The Transpersonals have a hard job tonight as they don’t have the same level of support that the other bands. These guys have great potential but the focus is blurry - at one point bluesy rock, psychedelic-pop another. The band don’t look like they’re enjoying themselves and it marks a dip in proceedings before the headliners hit.

I’d be completely stumped if Medallist didn’t give a gutsy, ear-bending performance. Their level of performance and professionalism never falters and tonight is no different. Despite the current situation, perhaps even because of it, this is life-affirming electro-rock. The audience are 100% behind the band, willing them to success and world domination. Although the immediate future is uncertain, I have a feeling the long term is so bright, they’ll need to wear shades.