23 November 2006 (gig)
06 December 2006
It’s a late kick off at ULU for the 26th Tiscali showcase and we’ve a lot to get through before Midnight. So first up, it’s indie-rockers The Films.
Sounding surprisingly British the four-piece soon put paid to that announcing their London debut in American accents. "Did anyone know us at all?" asks frontman Michael. Only a few cheer, but after a string of catchy tunes which started out as nothing special The Films amass a new batch of fans.
Picking up where they leave off is Larrikin Love, your ideal 'knees up in a pub' sort of band cut from Libertines cloth. Offbeat and something of a 'Shambles' at times, a little carnival percussion spices up the London lads’ set and vocalist Edward provides consistent nifty hits on a cowbell with a severed hand prop hanging off it.
But proving to be the worthy pinnacle of tonight’s bill is Juliette Lewis with the luscious Licks who moisten the crowd ready for her subtle but tease of an entrance. And as she sashays on clad in skin-tight threads, sporting her trademark feathers, excitement spreads like wildfire.
Clearly not acting up, the Oscar-nominee genuinely rocks out to the max, flirting with the crowd, surfing it and posing at every corner for a sea of snapping mobiles. Try as they may the four musicians fail to steal focus from her - despite the revelation of their sweaty chests. Fortified with attitude she manages to mix chaotic dancing with an elegant feline prowl, while constantly thrusting herself upon the star-gazers without arrogance or aggression.
Emulating the energy of Iggy with a pinch of Peaches’ filth-ridden attitude Juliette’s performance is totally beguiling and a great vehicle for her no-bullshit music which does stand alone. The band knock out an array of their best punked-up ditties including 'Purgatory Blues', the "lick your lips and shake your hips" seduction of 'Sticky Honey' and 'Hot Kiss' for the salivating horde, some of who clamber on stage for diving glory.
'You're Speaking My Language' rounds up the show well past its curfew and as the band take a group bow lapping up the love, Juliette blows kisses as though bidding farewell to her subjects. Fair enough really as it looks like everyone here is about to fall at her feet.
