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Bristol's venue 'Rock' never really took off with its irregular mix of live and DJ sets before a big new bully in town took it over to do it proper. The Bristol Academy jumped into its central spot in Frogmore Street with intent to bring the best of contemporary music to the capital of the South West. The Academy is part of a successful chain, most infamous of which is the Brixton Academy, and this impressive new venue further boosts its prestigious reputation.
The decor is clearly still in the clubbing frame of mind with areas to 'chill' and different floor levels on which to wander. Unfortunates, like me, who are too short to see anything other than a view of sweaty backs at every gig I go to, will be glad to hear that there is an elevated walkway around the back of the hall which could provide a lot more shortarses with a good view. The lighting is all but choreographed to the music and interacts with the audience, the sound is full and the size and layout provides an intimate gigging experience. It even has air conditioning - what more could you ask for? Well, a decent band on stage. But you can't have everything. Why Ocean Colour Scene were chosen for the Academy's official launch night (even though it had been open for a few weeks) is a puzzle. Upcoming gigs such as Lee Perry, The Gorillaz and Ian Brown would have surely been a much more credible starting point.
I was just enjoying the air con in my hair when a OCS fan turned to me and declared: "I really like bands that sound like they do on the CD when they play live." And there you have it. Amongst the snigger inducing mod-a-likes and Cravat wearing knobs in the audience, a young girl sums it up. Ocean Colour Scene have become a karaoke band in that short space of time it took for Chris Evans to let go of their hand and for themselves, Oasis and Paul Weller to become 'Dadrock.' Tonight is rather an ironic experience, a nostalgia trip to the 90s and the 60s at the same time.
I don't know whether to mosh or do the twist. The OCS fan tells me she likes Travis and Robbie Williams because they also 'sound like the CD'. The karaoke restaurant next door seems like a tantalising option. But don't let these paisley shirted ponces put you off - just cross your fingers and hope that your favourite band will play at the Academy - compared to the sit-down-and-behave concerts at the Colston Hall, the Anson Rooms' tatty school gym and the sporadic Victoria Rooms gigs, you can bet your winklepickers it will be your most pleasant gig experience in Bristol.