The Mae Shi/ Abe Vigoda/ Tubelord @ Barden’s Boudoir 12/5/2009
 
 
Although from the outside Barden’s Boudoir looks like a crack den that even crack heads find too disgusting, inside this is a cosy little venue and perfect for such a stellar line up. 
 
First on, and playing to a respectably sized crowd, are Kingston’s Tubelord. The trio shift seamlessly throughout the set from jerky, heavy guitar parts to soaring crescendos via soft, sweeping break downs laced with delicate vocal parts. They are interesting and evocative, proving that propping up the bill is not something they should be doing for much longer.
Next on are LA dwelling Mae Shi mates, Abe Vigoda. Taking “lo-fi” to a new extreme, they rocket about the stage, clearly having what must almost be the time of their lives. Around the room, though, members of the audience can be seen taking the occasional cheeky look at their watches and getting a quick pint before the main band. What should have been a barn storming set to challenge the headliners was, although by no means awful, something of a limp and stale effort.