Introducing

Library Suits taken by Matt Pawsey

Last weekend was rather eventful as we were invited to a couple of gigs.

Chasing Ora

Usually we'd try to work our way onto a guest list of sorts (we're students with little money too!), but it was for an event that was raising funds for memory of Chasing Ora's Joanna and donating it to an Essex cat sanctuary..

It was really good to see Chasing Ora live again. The decision to continue for Joanna's sister and co-front women, Natalie, must have been difficult. However, Natalie definitely put on a show.

It was an emotional show and the band has clearly working hard on writing new material and working towards last Friday's gig.

Chasing Ora also organised a charity show at the Camden Barfly on Saturday; over the weekend they raised over £2000.

Library Suits

On Saturday Ollie and I, along with BBC Essex's Summer Saturday show, headed down to Oaklands Park in Chelmsford to see the opening of the new pop culture exhibition.

Part of the day was devoted to some of Chelmsford's longest running bands from the past 60 years playing.

But the newest addition, The Library Suits, also played a blinding set. It was great to see these guys.

All Systems Go!

After that we headed down to the Fleece as, for those who don't know, Ollie is the new drummer for Southend band 'All Systems Go!'

Playing the best unsigned music in Essex

It was the first time I've seen them in about a year. I joke about them a lot on air, but was actually very impressed at how much they have changed (for the better!) in the last year; a brilliant gig.

4ft Pimp

Finally, it was farewell 4ft Pimp at Chinnerys. I tried to work my way onto the guest list with the band, but with no success (apparently a little band debt lingered with the bank man).

It was their strongest performance since the show started supporting them nearly two years ago.

An absolutely hilarious performance and some of the most interesting song writing techniques from a local band.

Track listings

Ernest the Gernest - Floor
Angry vs. the Bear - I Sing, We Sing
4ft Pimp - Session Highlight
Little Joy Box - Killer
The Vale - Someone like You
Redtrack - Ciggerette
Kobe - It's not your fault
Jack's Family - Pretty
British Intelligence - Telepathy
All Systems Go - Me & My Radio
Chasing Ora - Penniless

All Systems Go! by Ian Collins

BBC Essex Intro gig listings

Friday, 31 July

The Twist, Colchester
Kipling Conspiracy, Psycho Graffiti and the Reaktors

The Fleece, Chelmsford
Nevacross, Marble, The Crazy Eights and Art of Rebellion

Club Riga Music Bar
‘Absolute Bowie’ – a David Bowie covers band

Saturday, 1 August

Barhouse, Chelmsford
Barhouse's first birthday party with Void Collective, Shuffle Scoundrels, CRA DJ’s, Rejectable DJ’s format and Cathouse

Chinnerys, Southend on Sea
Crash Mansion, Solis and Greenleaf 56

Sunday, 2 August

The Quays, Basildon
Open mic night – Plug in and play!

Friday, 3 August

Chinnerys, Southend on Sea
Jets Against Giants, Dreadhead Chemistry, Aristocrats and A Broken Robot