Vermont gig / strange fruit - the Garage, London

The Vermont sound is a sweet mix of an upbeat indie style with a touch of darkness, the vocalists offering this mix come from a sweet indie girl vocalist with the moves to match and the male vocalist with his dark, deep vocals with his words that lure the crowd as he stares into them, but not before he is on his knees rocking out.

The crowd which was mostly made up of fashionista girls, slick suave boys and ex-indie kids were loving Vermont's performance and quickly purchasing the Vermont 7" singles on sale. Featuring on the records 'Bullfight in Bogna', which is a fast and upbeat track with many facets to it including a strong Mexican influence which on the night featured the guest appearance from the mysterious -'don't you know I'm loco' - Mexican trumpet player who belted out tunes, poncho and all, to the excited and slightly confused crowd. The (how many keyboards?!!!!!) keyboard player was also sporting a Mexican inspired 'tash' which he had grown especially for the occasion!
It is hard to categorise 'Vermont' but we are reminded of Pulp, The Smiths, The Velvet Underground, a touch of Saint Etienne, and so many more, all for different reasons. Vermont are one of the most friendly and inviting bands ever and really enjoy themselves on-stage. Phlem wish them all the best of luck as they climb to the top.

Strange Fruit itself is definitely 'strange' following Vermont's lively performance around ten dj's squeezed in their short sets playing a mish mash of rock, punk, new wave and electronica, which was cool, but could lose your interest when some of the more repetitive electronica, seemed like it had been on for hours!! Luckily a change of dj sorted that problem out and Phlem think another visit is needed for us to make up our minds. Ha! any excuse. Watch this space for more reviews.
Phlem's favourite tracks of the night include; Road runner - Jonathon Richman, Geno - Dexy's, Magic mirror - Aphrodite's Child, Emerge - Fischerspooner, Cinderella - Sonics and
Ca plane pour moi - Plastic Bertrand.