Bristol Rocks RattleSnake Remedy

Rattlesnake Remedy plus Support Bands
Thekla, 8th September 2007
Photo's from www.rattlesnakeremedy.com
		By Moose
It's been fifteen years since I've been on board the old Thekla in the docks, and not much seems to have changed - it's still a warren of small rooms and dark corridors and staircases. I think the main room in the bowels of the boat has had a bit of an update though, with a decent stage set-up (with modern PA and lights), good bar, and a rather over the top air conditioning system creating a fridge-like atmosphere. Not helped by the small crowd either…….	No, not the new toilets at the Thekla
First up are an un-advertised fourth band, possibly called Vagina if the dress wearing guitarist/vocalist is to be believed, but they could have been taking the piss. Material sounds like Nirvana cast offs that didn't even make the demo stage - but with a less capable drummer. And a stick thin underwear model on bass. That's a female stick thin underwear model, in case you're wondering. Things don't improve when the drummer takes over on guitar/vocals for a couple of numbers, as everything takes a turn for the worse - vocals, drumming and guitar playing!! Miss Stick Thin gets in on the vocal act for a couple of songs too, and proves she's the third best singer in the band, but she redeems herself with a couple of her friends down the front by removing her pink boob tube and ripped up arm bandage thing to complete the last couple of songs from the set in a fetching black bra - nice.

After a very quick equipment swap Los Cronios take to the stage accompanied by a distinct step up in professionalism - but the weird-o-meter is still maxed out. There's two more dresses evident in the stage clothes, plus frankly frightening make-up and a mask for the guitarist. The bass player and drummer look rather out of place in normal street gear. They kick off with a cover of the old 007 theme tune Goldfinger, which is very reminiscent of the version Magazine recorded back on the 70's, although I doubt if any of the band were even born back then. Their original songs have a twisted but infectious feel to 'em, with frantic guitar and a solid rhythm section. For Acid Mash they're joined on stage by someone dressed in a white boiler suit, a red apron and what looks like a head made out of mashed potato. He jumps around a bit, sprinkles a packet of smash on the band and then ambles off to the biggest cheer of the night so far - brilliant. The crowd vote for Mumble Stumble when offered a choice of an old favourite or a new song, and for the final number the front man returns dressed like some sort of character out of the Scream movies - black cape, white face/head, straggly hair, black shades, which again adds to the generally feeling of strangeness the band manage to create.

Things are much more straightforward for Left Side Brain, who power through a short set of vicious original material. There's dropped tunings from the twin guitar assault that blasts from the PA, and a tightness to the whole thing that can only come from time spent in the rehearsal room or on stage. I seem to recall seeing these guys at Ashton Court a couple of years ago, so it's probably a combination of both The sound and songs are kinda Pantera-ish, but with a modern edge, all driven along by a thunderous backbeat from the relentless drummer. Well Well Well is the standout track for me, while set closer Exit Route takes no prisoners either.

If there were points for sheer hard work, Rattlesnake Remedy would have qualified for Europe by now - they've been slogging up and down the UK for the best part of a year, popping up supporting Thunder, Ted Nugent, Magnum and various visiting bands from the USA. They were supposed to be out with Michael Schenker for an extensive UK tour in August, but that got cancelled when the Mad Axman had one of his infamous "moments". Tonight is a welcome return to headline status in Bristol, their first since playing at the Fleece back in August 2006.	Rattlesnake Remedy - not quite as cold as the punters at the Thekla
They're a kick-ass live band, taking a twin guitar blues-rock foundation for most of their material, but adding a heavier edge with some neat twists here and there. Main lead man Ben Bartlett wrings the life out of his low slung Les Paul, while Lee Stone delivers a very Bon Scot-like vocal performance as well as pulling out the Harmonica now and again for an intro or two. Mark Buckler is slightly less manic on his not quite so low slung Les Paul but makes up for it with one of those crazy beaded goatee beard things, while Matt Birch and Dave Ballard hold the whole thing together on the Bass and Drums respectively.	Ben Bartlett with barely surviving Les Paul

Songs like Hangover Blues are straight forward but very heavy 12-bar workouts, while the rest of the set has enough variation to keep the level of interest and energy high. There's a couple of songs in dropped D tuning that really grind hard, and we even get treated to the first live airing of a new number that has a bit more colour to it, suggesting that the often difficult second CD might have a surprising hook or two to keep us on out toes. Magic Man, from their first CD of the same name released last year, closes the set in fine style, with Lee in particular spitting out the vocals with venom prior to hitting the bar for a beer or two. Check out www.rattlesnakeremedy.com for future dates and other news/updates/photo's etc.

All in all a good night - fair play to the people running the Thekla for putting on some decent rock music on a Saturday night, although publicity for the gig could have been stepped up a notch or two. Turning the air con down a notch or two wouldn't have hurt either!!!