Vermont album launch party,
11-04-03, the spitz, London

After making a complete fool of myself trying to find the venue and asking a townie banker (that is not a play on words, but it could be) where the upstairs of The Spitz was, whilst standing underneath a large sign that said 'upstairs at The Spitz'(Haha!), I finally got into the busy room for the Vermont launch party.
First up were The Bobby McGees, a strange duo from Leicester. At first Phlem were confused and didn't know if you were supposed to be laughing along with The Bobby Mcgees poetic and story like songs, which were almost spoken word. I think there was one about having sex too and whilst I was at the bar during this song, the barmen, who all seemed to be French, were stood watching open mouthed in complete confusion. Haha! The Bobby Mcgees were beginning to grow on me. Then for a finale they covered The Velvet Underground's 'Femme fatale', deep female vocals and a glockenspiel. That was cool!!

Then came Vermont, with vocalist Sabine dressed all in red and the boys in suits, they looked good. They are sooooo good live, really tight, energetic and enthusiastic .The crowd were screaming as I was battling with photographers to get front row pictures. Vermont meanwhile played songs from their album 'Ins Kino' and a few new ones and B-sides which didn't make it onto the album. Phlem favourites include 'Chaos for beginners' a really cool, electro-ish tune that reminds us of Ladytron and Stereolab and shall definitely be played at 'Bang', 'Two weeks from everywhere' which is more upbeat with some great guitar work. Colin's vocals are quite punk, whilst Sabine's sweet indie vocals contrast against him. Of course, we can't forget the little Mexican's favourite 'Bullfight in Bogna' .One person who seemed to be missing from the Vermont live line up, was that mysterious Mexican trumpet player, we found his outfit backstage and everything!! The trumpet player that replaced him seemed to be pretty cool though, haha! Poor little Mexican. The after show party was fun, Phlem got to DJ for a bit and played a set which included Geno by Dexy's, of course!! We were followed by German DJ's playing some indie / Dance / electronica and then later came the girls who played Dolly Parton, yeah!! There just isn't enough country'n'western played nowadays!! Also, thanks to Simon for the wine!!
Vermont - Ins Kino GO AND BUY IT!!!!!!!!!!!