Tung
Live at Leeds Metropolitan University on Saturday, 29th July 2000
This was going to be Orka's review. Having watched the band on a previous occasion, and having a "little-bit-too-much-to-drink" I'd promised them a real review. This was also the first time I'd ventured down to the new venue that is the Metropolitan University's City Centre Bar, the third of their gigs and the last one for now while the organiser decide whether the events will continue. I arrived early, chatted away with Orka beforehand and watched the sound checks, all was looking good. I then talked to promoter Ben Ray, in a bouyant mood, after the venue for once filled out with its array of top bands and 50p-per-pint bar prices.
So we're looking good, and first band on Karma take to the stage. A mix of 90's Manchester rock and roll, that evident from such classic bands such as The Verve, Stone Roses and many others so typical of the Madchester scene. The band add their own little twists to the music though and its very enjoyable, perhaps at times a little too unvarient in its songs and delivery, but take that away and perhaps the fact that the venue is just coming to grips with the sound in the venue (not really setup for gigs, but they're trying very hard to get it right, even trying to attract some of Leeds' best sound engineers down) and you have Karma performing a nice little set.
Then I get annoyed. Over 45 minutes goes on and we finally get Tung on-stage. Admittedly, tonight is an all-night gig, the £3 entry also covers the bands, plus a DJ afterwards until 2am, so there is no rush in anyones minds. Yet to me, this was not acceptable for any band to rip out the entire back-line (the stage was empty) then install their own, only to have it removed again straight afterwards. By the time Tung had finished, we'd have probably had had Orka's set too. But Tung are tonights named band, following their recent magazine coverage and Bloodhound Gang support, so I presume its their "right". Yet I watched them with a complete lack of admiration - why are this band so popular? Until their last song they were poor, lacked originality and basically did not warrant any special treatment. Their last song was the highlight of their set however, and brightened up what was basically disappointing. Then I get annoyed again. As we have to wait again for the band to remove all of their (not so unique) equipment for Orka to bring in theirs. At 11-50pm I leave, still waiting for Orka to set up. Sorry guys. Maybe next time?