The George Lite Zone

Bitterzoet is one of the best clubs in Amsterdam to watch hip indie bands. A place where trendy isn't just a trend, the clientele are knowledgeable and the atmosphere is as cool as the beer. Brakes delivered once again delivered a superb set. This band really are as tight as a Kangeroo's kyber. Jackson, All Night Disco Party, Porcupine Or Pineapple, Spring Chicken... the songs rained down as the mood of those assembled soared. In these days of economic armageddon and the four horseman on the move it's great to find a band that don't take themselves too seriously and put a smile back on the face of popular music. An after gig drink with the band culminated in an extended dancing session in a Blues club near Leidersplein. An all night disco party indeed! Go out and buy their albums, you won't regret it.

After the esoteric delights of Official Secrets Act , Brakes came on like a shot of adrenalin to the heart, power chords a ringing and telling lyrics a singing. Fan-bloody-tastic!!! Seamlessly blending elements of punk, country and rock together their performance had humor and dancibility in abundance. Eamon Hamilton's vocals at times were reminiscent of Michael Stipe's but flew the full spectrum from rawness to sweetness. Prior to Brakes, Eamon played keyboards with British Sea Power for 3 years, while guitarist Thomas White and his brother Alex (drums) were the nucleus of another Brighton based band The Electric Soft Parade . Mark Beatty was persuaded to play bass when the trio descended on his rehersal/recording rooms Mockin'bird Studios in Brighton. I think the events organisers must have confused Brakes with US band The Brakes as the programme had them down as a US band. After this performance from Brighton's finest you may as well confuse a Porupine with a Pinea...