The Almaboobies
are also on myspace
www.myspace.com/thealmaboobies
P
The Almaboobies
By Matt-Ira Chapman
Scorpion Studios, Lincoln, Lincs – 01522 524888
As a serious musician, I have
become sceptical when I hear words like "Girl Band" "All Girl
Group”, throw in words like "sisters" and I would normally
be looking for; A) a quick exit or B) prepare to endure scantily clad floozies
poncing around like arrogant poodles. The Music or any kind of talent would
be secondary or at best badly wanting.
I am genuinely pleased to say
I have found not just the exception to the rule, but 3 ladies who far exceed
any preconceptions I might have had.
Judge them on musicianship, hard
work and songsmithery against anyone out there, not just another "female
group", and I'll bet you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Music aside for the moment, they
are three of the nicest, non prissy and down to earth musicians I’ve
met. Their gig list is relentless and they attack every gig, no matter where
or to whom, with consummate professionalism and sheer enthusiasm which never
fails to tear the roof off and win over hard to please or sceptical audiences.
I saw them recently over two nights.
The Friday was a show at a pub
in Grimsby in front of maybe 100 people. Initially the crowd was a little
tough, but they played hard and tight. With a set including one of the best
covers I’ve EVER heard; The Sparks' "This Town Ain’t Big
Enough For The Both Of Us". Not only played extremely well, but sang
with virtuosity by Victoria (Guitar, Vocals). Elizabeth (Bass, Vocals, Acrobatics...)
with her wireless unit was tearing around the audience, working them hard
and never dropping a note or out of time. They rocked the building, eventually
leaving the stage to shouting, whistling and yells of "more" after
two encores.
On the Saturday, they played on
the main stage at Brands Hatch World Superbikes to somewhere between 6000
to 8000 people. With more space at their disposal, and a massive crowd, they
seemed to come alive and take their already tight and well executed set to
the very next level. Featuring Victoria meeting up with Elizabeth in the middle
of the stage to rock out and weaving seamless solos while appearing as cool
as a cucumber. Elizabeth was running up and down the stage, throwing shapes
and twirling herself around like a woman possessed whilst playing some technically
difficult bass work flawlessly. All harmonies were spine tingling, all instruments
played more than competently to tunes that will stick in your head for weeks.
Alexandra (Drums) is the only thing I’ve ever seen stop Big Hairy Arsed
Bikers dead mid drink. Jaws hitting the floor as she executes a world class
drum solo in the song "Skittles". Normally, I fall asleep before
the end of a drum solo, but this is a surreal assault on your senses. Sticks
twirling, cross-handed paradiddles, syncopated double-kick work, flawless
flam-rolls all executed to perfection. This slight, unassuming lady is amazing.
She is an AWESOME drummer full stop. Not "for an 18 year old" and
not "considering she’s a girl". I am a studio engineer, and
have seen hundreds of drummers from all genres and styles and I consider my
opinion more informed than most. She is AWESOME. The banter on stage was first
class too. A heckler was dealt with and sent packing with tail between his
legs, much to the delight of the crowd. After the set was finished, the place
was deafening with shouts, claps and whistles of adoration. Speaking to Alexandra
after their set I asked "So, do you feel like a rock star now??"
she replied immediately with a serene expression, "Nah, I feel like a
Drummer..."
The Almaboobies are a Great Band.
They fit in wherever they play. Their music is catchy, very original and stays
in your head forever. Check out anthems like "Postcard" and "Sunshine
Empire" to name but two in a repertoire of 40+ songs, feel the energy
and the raw power in them.
Do yourself a favour and catch
them soon, and with a booking list as huge as theirs, you can guarantee they're
playing at a venue near you.
New re-recorded CD
'Welcome' is out NOW!