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| The Vines 05.04.02 London Astoria (Supporting Doves) So, here we are then. 7:30 PM on a warm Friday evening in London and as we anticipate one of the most hotly tipped bands of 2002 so far, it’s surprising that despite recent Strokes like praises from a well know London publication, the Astoria is barely a third full. The early (ish) start may have had a part to play in this, but never mind. Having impressed me with their first 2 singles so far, and here playing only their 2nd gig in this country (the other being the Camden Monarch, with almost 100% that were in attendance being members of press), Australia’s The Vines walk on and open with a pretty good above average track. Followed by another, followed by another. In other words, I was getting bored. Current single "Highly Evolved" does get a few cheers & heads nodding, but once that’s over it’s back to irritating screaming & all round dullness. The Vines could be a great band. Lead singer Craig does offer a great stage presence, and tracks like "Factory" (which criminally they didn’t play tonight!) make me smile on every listen. Until they get some more songs like that however, don’t believe the hype. Jonathan Carey |