Deja vu, I'm sure I've seen this gig before. I was here last January when Sargasso Trio played this same venue, again with Red Cassette in support. The second support differed at least, unless Cord took last year's undercover set to new heights and managed to disguise themselves as singer-songwriter White Rabbit. White Rabbit was a treat, at times reminiscent of Bright Eyes. With occasional ukulele accompaniment, this was an interesting set. Once again, Red Cassette was musically great, punctuated with some of the broadest Norfolk dialect I've ever heard on stage. Some of these tracks, especially the newer ones, were lyrically clever, full of puns and innuendo, and rhythmically interesting. Sargasso Trio, as always, performed well, and I found their samba-infused tracks the most enjoyable. Their bongos should never be left unmanned! Although some of the down-tempo songs simmer with haunting melodies, allowing the Trio's great vocals to shine through, to my ears they are at their best when their samba heritage takes over. In an ideal world the band - who are signed to Tummy Touch imprint Boy Scout - would have played more of their old tracks, performing them loud and fast, but ultimately it's their inventiveness that makes them so endearing. Sargasso Trio are proof if any is needed that Norwich's band scene is fizzing with talent. Sargasso Trio played at Norwich Arts Centre on Saturday, 27 January, 2007. | 
