Oxford Live
Juliana Meyer
Juliana’s talents as a quarter of the band Rocking Horse have long been established. But when the success of the band rests largely on innovative and exciting harmonies, how does she fare solo? The answer can be found in her lyrics, many of which proclaim her refusal to be tied down to one way of life and to be pushed along one path.
Juliana’s songs seem to come from a variety of sources, but whatever she sings about she puts her whole self into her music, be it eyes closed in haunting songs such as Explosive or snatching teasing glances at the audience in more energetic numbers.
The vulnerability and emotion of songs such as I Need You stands out in contrast to the defiance of statements like ‘I’m a square inside a circle’, and she more than compensates for the cliché of another song about the war with this: “We fight a war that isn’t ours in a land we can’t even pronounce” Juliana’s ear for a good melody allows her to show the impressive range of her voice, from haunting higher notes, right down to rich low tones that force you to sit up and listen to
at she has to say. Sincerity, originality and variety are sometimes hard to come by these days, but they all show their face in Juliana’s music.
Imsoc Gig
The first band to take the stage are the aptly-named November, billed as “not unlike George Michael singing Interpol”. Pretty much accurate, as far as it went, but that doesn’t explain the full depth of their sound • the band was clearly extremely well-rehearsed and their playing was faultless throughout the set. Punters were incredulous when they discovered this was November’s first gig outside of Queen’s. Next up were True Rumour, not a student band, but more of a Jericho staple.
From the outset it was clear these guys have been gigging regularly, with a relaxed, confident frontman, but there was a slightly distant feeling between band and audience. Perhaps something to do with the presence of two saxophones and a set list placed, rather anally we thought, in a plastic document wallet? In contrast Spare Half Hour were everything a student band should be.
Trevor Wood spat out nice bratty vocals, and the Catz boys showed off some interesting rhythmic changes and a satisfying sense of shared glory as the two guitars stepped aside for well-received bass solos. A nice mix of funk, punk and good old fashioned rock and roll, held together by a decent drummer make Spare Half Hour, in short, not a bad way to spend one. Bonus points must also surely be awarded for the matching red shaky egg and guitar combo.
Heading the night were Corpus favourites The Fuming Julias, bringing their endearingly casual, highly charged sound to the Tavern crowd. Ably supported by a practiced band, the good looking boy/girl vocals duo flirted their way through several covers, including Lou Reed’s Walk on the Wild Side and The Stones’ Get off of my Cloud. A good natured relationship with the responsive crowd was nurtured throughout the set and the band’s own Kinks-esque material went down very well.
A satisfyingly sleazy, enjoyable end to the night.
Los Zopilotes
Some say you have to look a little harder for decent live music in Oxford, but you can’t go far wrong with these four to heat things up. Formed in 2003, New College- based band, Los Zopilotes sizzle with remarkably authentic interpretations of Cuban classics. Having spent his gap year in the Caribbean, lead singer David Hawkins captures the rough soulfulness of Cuban folksong, interspersing his heartfelt renditions with amusing explanations of the lyrics.
Hot Latino rhythms are provided by the even hotter Gabriel Doctor on percussion, complemented by both David and Tom Pursey on guitar. Duncan Downes’ double bass offers simmering undertones as a solid accompaniment. Their live set never fails to set things alight. Boiling points include blistering drum solos in Qué Linda Es, as well as Dave’s solo in the famous Chan Chan.
Los Zopilotes have been increasingly in demand, performing in Oxford at garden parties and balls, as well at the UCL Christmas party and more recently at Oxford Brookes University. Plans include recording later this term and a tour to Spain or Latin America.
17th Nov 2005