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The mod revivalists emerged from the stage smoke only a silhouette of their former selves. Hailing from London, The Chords lived up to their deafening reputation but with little flair. The vocals were coarse and off-key. Their instruments, although sometimes tolerable, mostly grated inharmoniously. Front man Billy Hassett appeared warm and energetic, but intermittently battled with the sound engineer who failed to reduce the level of feedback spewing from the microphones. The rock veterans were upstaged by their supporting act, The Universe, who proved that rigorous playing, euphonic voices and an astonishing drum solo is the source to any modster’s heart.
Brighton Coalition, 27 August
1/5
Simon Robb

“Welcome to Eastbourne”, Zach Cordon said with a sideways smile. Beirut’s wistful brass fitted in well with the period grandeur of the Winter Gardens theatre. Most of the audience were drawn from outside town – and with only two UK shows this year, it was certainly worth the trip. Performing a set that elevated mariachi, European folk, and funeral marching bands, this big show was long-sold out and feverishly well-recieved. Cordon’s rich baritone led Beirut’s bittersweet, merrily swaying parade through a wonderful cacophony of horns, conjuring up the kind of adulation reserved for revolutionary polictical rallies. A remarkable show in a truly classy joint.
Winter Gardens, Eastbourne, 27 August
5/5
Finn Scott-Delany

You certainly get your money’s worth with Club Smooch. A sultry and steamy Latin American themed burlesque night, sashaying its way via some sizzling songs, female burlesque of all sizes and some very funny and tongue-in-cheek ‘male’ burlesque. The hosting was rough around the edges but that was part of its charm, although if polished up the evening would flow much better. Special mention for the wonderfully inventive ‘Chav-up’ burlesque dance of Miss Direction and the sensuous Liberty Sweet’s clever dress down. Plus the surprising appearance of a great trapeze act by Miss Kitty Peels. The venue was fit to bursting, as were some of the audience due to their aptly themed attire.
Komedia, 27 August
4/5
Lee Stevens

The openers beguiled us with sweet, Southern harmonies backed by the sparsest guitar.
Low Anthem began with an understated ‘Ticket Taker’ from the last album, featuring harmonium, clarinet, chimes and saw, with Ben Knox Miller’s Cat Stevens-like vocals. The audience were reverentially hushed throughout the whole set except when cheering loudly after each song. These multi-talented multi-instrumentalists played a range of unusual instruments with new song ‘Ashes’ showcasing strummed fiddle and bowed chimes. A number of original and traditional songs were sung around a single mic, with the lights dimmed, giving a gospel harmony feel. We arrived cold and soggy but left with cockles thoroughly warmed.
Komedia, 26 August
5/5
Steve Clements