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26 November 2009
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    Music reviews

    The Blue Teeth
    The Blue Teeth

    Review: Come on you blues!

    Katy Lewis
    Local band The Blue Teeth rocked a packed Hat Factory in Luton, aided and abetted by The Occasion!

    There was something deliciously exciting about Tuesday night at The Hat Factory in Luton.

    In the basement Gig Room, with its low ceilings, bar and a capacity crowd raring to go as local bands showcased their talent, it was just great to see a young crowd clamouring to see live music by local unsigned bands.

    Andy Sizmur: The Occasion
    Andy Sizmur: The Occasion

    You got the feeling that this might have been a teensy weensy bit like it was at the Cavern back in the 60s. Now, I’m not suggesting for a minute that The Blue Teeth are the next Beatles, but they’ve already got an adoring following, good songs and even the anthem to at least have a bit of success.

    You could just imagine people saying in the future, “Yeah I saw them all those years ago at The Hat Factory, before they made it and before they changed their drummer!" (only kidding Gareth!).

    Powerful

    But, first things first. The night had been organised by Luton band promotor PDM music, and tonight's line-up consisted of two local bands and first up were The Occasion.

    They got the evening off to a great start with some strong indie-rock. Lead singer Andy Sizmur leapt around the stage and belted out the numbers with a powerful voice, while Andy Paris' guitar added to the musical class of this band. He was pretty hot!

    James Trapp, The Blue Teeth
    James Trapp, The Blue Teeth

    I liked the fact that you could actually make out the lyrics and particularly enjoyed what I thought was a rather moving performance of "I Am Not Alone".

    Then it was onto The Blue Teeth.

    It’s always a bit worrying when you go along and see a band and realise that you know someone in it, especially when they know that you're there in an official capacity. To maintain my integrity I have to be honest and risk a severe blanking, so it was with much relief that The Blue Teeth, the four piece band in which he plays the drums, turned out to be really good!

    Drum and Bass, The Blue Teeth
    Drum and Bass, The Blue Teeth

    And while they may not quite achieve the world domination of the other Fab Four, their tuneful brand of indie-rock would not be out of place in the popular music chart! From “Where Are You Now” to “Avert My Eyes”, their songs are both catchy and melodic, if quite safe, and their final number “I’ll Be Waiting” was positively funky with shades of The Blockheads sneaking in there, I thought!

    Genial

    All the songs were introduced by genial lead singer (and teacher by day!) James Trapp and the whole band gave off an aura of being genuinely pleased to be doing the gig while on the musicianship front, the songs were tight and well-executed.

    Sam Allen, Bass, The Blue Teeth
    Sam Allen, Bass, The Blue Teeth

    But most importantly in my opinion, “The Teeth” have an anthemic song that leaves the audience baying for more and more impressively, it is already so well known that they were shouting for it before it was even announced!

    I don’t know what it is about fast food that inspires songwriters. Take Sheffield’s Bromhead’s Jacket for example, who wrote a song about a trek to the legendary chicken roll shop in St Albans to get a late night snack. And just as the Bromheads write about everyday events, The Blue Teeth’s “Johnny No Stars” was inspired by a hapless worker in a well known fast food chain who kept spectacularly messing up James' order.

    Gareth Lloyd, Drums, The Blue Teeth
    Gareth Lloyd, Drums, The Blue Teeth

    In the song Johnny eventually gets a star much to the delight of the audience, who cheer the news and sing-a-long to a chant of “Johnny One Star”. With crowd participation and an infectious chanting chorus, this is exactly the sort of song a band needs. And the crowd were even more delighted when, after shouting for an encore at the end, the band announced that as they had no more songs prepared, they would have to sing it again! The place rocked and it was a fitting end to the evening.

    Musical taste is always subjective, but in my opinion "The Blue Teeth" do seem to have all the right ingredients. An enthusiastic fan base, a memorable anthem and most importantly, some good appealing music with recognisable lyrics.

    last updated: 16/09/08
    Have Your Say
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    Slick Rick
    YOU GUYS ARE BACK THERE TOMORROW! (THURSDAY) CANNEY WAIT!

    ammad
    mr james trapp use 2 be my tutor n ma english teacher!! best of luck for da future

    David Elin
    Hey guys can't wait for the gig on 26 october - got a ticket this time - so wont be sent away like last time at the hat factory!

    Martin Goodwin
    Mr James Trapp used to be my english teacher

    Jamie
    Sorry guys was out of the country when you did your last gig - but promise will come and see you in October when you come back to the Hat Factory.

    Lorna
    Well done you guys. A great review, well deserved. xxx

    JAMES BUNKER
    THESE GUYS REALLY ARE SOMETHING SPECIAL. GREAT INDE ROCK SOUND WITH FANTASTIC LYRICS AND VOCALS. A TRULY TALENTED BUNCH DESTINED TO TAKE THE MUSIC SCENE BY STORM. WATCH OUT FOR THE GENIUS THAT IS "JONNY NO STARS"!

    Davey
    Mr Trapp you are one of the coolest teachers I know - will your band do a gig at our school? What if you become big? Will you stop teaching?

    Vicky
    Saw Blue Teeth at The Well they rocked the house....release Johnny No Stars NOW !!!!

    alex carthy
    havent heard of them but from what i can hear on their myspace they're pretty cool!

    Alan
    I've already put their return gig in my diary! 26th October, I can't wait!

    Kate (ex house mate)
    James, still waiting for you to put music to my masterpiece "Exit Only".....now that would definitely make no. 1 !

    Rachel
    I had a listen to your music on my space - it rocked my socks!

    Johnny
    I would like it to be noted that at this moment in time i am working towards my second star. Sandy and I are fine at the moment, have just been away to Paris for a romantic weekend. The hand is getting better. Much love Johnny

    gary davies
    Having seen the band a few weeks back at "the well" a local pub, i totally agree with your review. They have something different to other wanna be`s in the industry, thats great songs & catchy vocals. I`ll definately be watching these guys again, they rock!!!

    Samantha Noble
    The Blue Teeth rock - finaly something melodic and tuneful to come out of the Luton music scene not just loud guitars and screaming singers.

    Ryan
    I saw they're first gig! awsome stuff :D

    Elliott (Johnny No Stars Fan) Lawrence
    Well, although I missed the boys of The Blue Teeth at the Hat Factory, I did see them a month or so a go in the hottest, smokiest den of hideousness in Dunstable. They were great then too - I've even had a private rendition of Johnny No Stars in James's front room - truely a "masterpiece" "incredibly modern"- eh James!!?

    Elizabeth Norman
    Didn't get to see the gig at the Hat Factory but did see The Blue Teeth save the day at The Well when the other two bands didn't turn up and they played the whole night! Greta band! Johnny No Stars for Number One! Ex

    staffy
    OMG thats my teacher! aha freaky but cool

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