THE JOOTS + MODUS - Club Mondo, Dundee 21-02-08
I'd only ever seen The Joots once before, at Lyrics Bar months back, and wasn't that impressed. Well, the good news is that they've definitely improved. Placed on a bill with a band who have both feet firmly in the sixties, also proved to be fitting. The band played a set of songs revolving around some chiming rhythm guitar work and strong but mid-paced rhythms, which allowed the songs to spark through. Their singer still has a voice that almost sounds a bit too raw for the style of material they play, but this is not a barrier to their enjoyment. They've got that distinctive sixties-esque vein running through them, but that said, are still more contemporary indie when it comes down to it. Worth another look, for sure.
MOdus, from Edinburgh, had recently released a debut album that placed them firmly in the mould of sixties cabaret band in a contemporary disguise. That they lived up to this visually, was decidedly riveting. The four male players wearing suits of a kind, while lead singer and attention-grabbing front-lady, Miss Modus, came on stage wearing this glittery, sparkling silver dress, with this white furry shawl type thing wrapped over her shoulders. Taking to the stage and playing a strong set of tunes taken largely from the album, they provedd to be professional sounding and totally engaging. Miss Modus' voice is that are mix of strength and purity, sounding a lot sharper and more forceful than on the studio album, but retaining the clarity and emotion that shines through on the album. With ringing guitar work, full-sounding Hammond organ swirls and a rhythm section keeping things on the right track, theie brew of sixties inspired songs would have enhralledd and delighted many a London or south-east nightclub that would be used to hearing bands of a far more professional standing. What they do is unique - I've never been a great fan of this sort of music, but with a vocalist as good as Miss Modus and songs that really keep you hooked, not to mention a performance that's tight and fluid, this could be the sort of band that you'd really have fun going to see - you should try it sometime. Let's hope they return later on in the year.