Wednesday 16th April 2008 @ The Cooler, Bristol
Playing Alongside: The Naturals, The Winchell Riots

The Naturals, a gang of floppy teenagers take to the stage and I sigh inside. To my surprise, the sound that erupts is massive. Rob has a voice beyond his years and is a polite chap. Their songs are more complex than 3 minute ditties, but remain just as catchy. At their most melodic they resemble The Maccabees or Foals, but at other moments I’m reminded of early Cooper Temple Cause before they became, well, dull. The energetic performance is one that their fans from Gloucester can be very proud of.

I often wonder where the good looking guys in Bristol are, and they’re here, in Medallist! They open with new track Millionaire – a well crafted piece of dirty electro-rock. This is going to be loud; and oh it is! If you can imagine the brilliantly dark moments of Mansun, heavy Justice beats, a dash of Soulwax and the soundscape of Muse (but with better hair) you’re close to the Medallist experience. Personal favourite Electronic Romance has one of the best openings I’ve heard in a long time, whilst live favourite Respond is still perhaps their best track. They haven’t yet managed to birth the ultimate killer track from their rock loins, but when they do, they’re on the money.

Also headlining tonight are The Winchell Riots. They have at least dressed up for the occasion – shirt and tie. The sound is raw and far less polished than their predecessors. At this point I’m not sure if it’s the band or just me that are lacking in energy. Finally, the off-key vocals and lagging songs with repetitive guitars take their toll and at the mention of ‘power ballads’, I head for the door.

www.myspace.com/medallist

Marianna
Photos: Paul O’Connor