Back to the beach

Ah, the fertile soil of Texas! Some of my favourite bands come from there (Marked Men, anyone?) and it seems like there is always more folks to discover. I cut my Tuesday Bluesfesting short in order to see a couple of them, namely Hozac Records signees Rayon Beach and John Wesley Coleman. The former are lo-fi punkers ... come to think of it, so is the latter. Anyhow - here they are!

Skyler on keys.



The other side of the stage, featuring Thomas on guitar and Mike on drums.



More Thomas.



Skyler sings!



A shouty bit!



Mike hits!



Extra Thomas.



The whole lot!



The view from below.



A swell set.

• Show reminder: Arkona, Talamyus, Bolero and Sonburst play Mavericks; Crimes, Whiskey Shits, Lost Youth and Destroyer Scene invade The Rainbow.

Birthdays, booze and busted teeth

It was all about birthdays and busted teeth last night at the Dominion. I expected a larger crowd to see John Wesley Coleman and Rayon Beach, since the bands' scuffed up take on rock'n'roll and sci-fi punk are favoured tastes in this town.

Mike and Skyler.


Rayon Beach at the Dominion Tavern, July 12, 2011

Thomas.


Rayon Beach at the Dominion Tavern, July 12, 2011

Unfortunately for Coleman - who was backed by a couple of Rayon Beachers and another keyboardist - he started the set by accidentally jamming the microphone into his front teeth, busting one of them. Ouch. "I'm going to have to get my one tooth drunk," said Coleman.


John Wesley Coleman at the Dominion Tavern, July 12, 2011

And here's birthday boy Mike, wearing the band sombrero.


John Wesley Coleman at the Dominion Tavern, July 12, 2011

At least there was a decent-sized crowd - including other birthday celebrants - on hand by show's end.

• Show reminder: Rob Hill, Brave By Numbers and Northern Strangeways are at the Rainbow; Impending Doom, MyChildren MyBride, A Bullet For Pretty Boy, The Crimson Armada and Tyrants Rise play Mavericks; Tim Harwill performs at the Elmdale House.