TINY MASTERS OF TODAY

Lancaster Library,
15 August 2007

   “Get It Loud In Libraries” is the brain child of music librarian Stewart Parsons. What started out as a couple of one off gigs has since developed into a serious programme dedicated to bringing new music to the good folk of Lancaster. Tonight’s line up has a distinctly US feel with Jaymay and Married To The Sea supporting Tiny Masters Of Today.
   First up is New York songstress Jaymay, fresh from a series of dates supporting the messiah of alt-country-emo-folk that is Bright Eyes. Armed with only an acoustic guitar her delicate soulful voice seems perfectly suited to the sedentary surroundings. She even encourages a little audience participation during the song The Tragedy as the youngsters at the front (this gig is open to all ages) gleefully join in with the chorus.

In reality, there is little to differentiate her from other female alt-folksters such as Cat Power and Jenny Lewis, but in a just world she should still sell more records than the likes of Lilly Allen and Kate Nash.

Next up are Married To The Sea. Although hailing from Liverpool their sound owes more to influences from across the Atlantic. They make a refreshing change from all the Topshop rockers that masquerade as indie bands nowadays. In their case think more checked shirts, beards and scuzzy feedback reminiscent of Pixies, Grandaddy and early Death Cab For Cutie.

Although there are a few casualties down at the front (a few youngsters don’t take to the feedback too well) the older members of the audience love their take on classic US slacker-indie-pop. Standout tracks include Crash Hams and the brilliant Dear Diary. I Did Nothing Today.

Finally come headliners Tiny Masters Of  Today. Much has been written about the powerful playing of the young brother and sister (Ivan and Ada) but as they nervously take the stage they look like they would be more at home perusing the Harry Potter section. Any doubts are soon assuaged as they launch into a blistering set of garage-punk-pop.

Although their sound is undoubtedly bolstered by the drumming of Russell Simins (Jon Spencer Blues Explosion) it could well be a young Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore up there. But for all their distorted guitars and shouted vocals, the one standout point is when they seem to morph into Public Enemy for three and half minutes or so, with Ivan rolling on the floor shouting "JUMP UP".

At this early stage the Tiny Masters are best likened to one of Alex Ferguson’s footballing protégés. Undoubted flashes of brilliance but for the most part lacking in consistency. But who knows? With a bit more coaching and guidance and a few more games under their belt (or in their case gigs) they could turn into world beaters. Certainly, with members of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Sonic Youth as their mentors, who would back against them?

In the immortal words of Morrissey – “There’s more to life than books you know, but not much more”. Think he may have a point there. Who said libraries weren’t cool?

20/8/07 © George Appleton

LINKS

Lancaster Library

Tiny masters of Today

Married to the Sea

Jaymay

VOTE FOR LANCASTER LIBRARY

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The county council's "Get it Loud in Libraries" project is facing four rivals in a public vote to decide the winner of this year's Love Libraries Award.
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The national award celebrates the work libraries do with young people and has attracted 48 nominations from across England.
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Lancaster's Get it Loud in Libraries project offers a library experience with a difference with some of the hottest new bands performing in the library. The gigs are bringing in diverse crowds, introducing people to all the great things the library has to offer, and sending them away with smiles on their faces.
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Voting starts on Monday 13th August and closes on Friday 14th September with the winner being announced at an awards ceremony in London on Wednesday 3rd October. The winner of the Love Libraries award will receive a Trophy and £2,000 towards the project.
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