The PAS Diaries: Tensheds, Siskin, Tom Copson and Lucy O'Driscoll
 

Another week, another PAS, but not just another line up. All four artists were noobs to the PAS stage this time, which is actually pretty unusual. More often than not, an artist that has already been to PAS will jump at the chance to come back. We'll say something like "Do you fancy -" and they'll cut us off with a "Yeahhhhh," which kind of sounds like a hawk impersonating Barry White, a sort of shrieking but casually sexy tone. "Yeahhhhh," they'll say, "I'd love to come back and play," and we'll be like, "I was only going to ask if you wanted a skittle," and they'll moan and say "Aww, shucks." But then we'll make a sound like an accountant being slapped, a sort of "Ahhhh" sort of thing, and say "Gotcha! We'd love to have you back mate/love/whoever you are," and their face lights up with excitement. This happens surprisingly often.

The boogalicious ivory-bashing of Tensheds was something of a wonder. While it must be made clear that Matt Tensheds (that's not his real name, by the way) does play other stuff - some pleasant and tuneful piano-led sonnets, though he can also play the guitar - the boogie is simply where Tensheds' talent showed through the most, playing speedy, fiddly grooves with utter finesse. While it's never nice to typecast someone, or to concentrate too fully on one aspect of a musician's art, in this case it's just because Tensheds is good - really good - at the boogaloo, and merely brilliant at everything else.

The lady-duo of Siskin played some fairly rocking tunes, with nice harmonies and well-constructed melodies. Probably one of the easiest comparisons would be to Alisha's Attic, though Siskin are a little funkier and not quite as dark. Some wonderful inventiveness capped off an impressive performance.

Tom Copson plays a musical concoction of a multitude of inspirations. In some places, he's reminiscent of the towering falsettos of Muse, in others you can hear the ADHD song construction of Biffy Clyro, or... well, a hundred different things from a thousand different places. Tom has an indefatigable on-stage presence and the musicianship to boot.

The blues-inspired witterings of Lucy O'Driscoll added a softer, quieter touch to the night, with blues and country-and-western inspired tunes the name of the game. Pleasant and innovative songs.

Dave Knight

The Portobello Acoustic Sessions is held every Thursday night from 7:30 at The Metropolitan bar, Westbourne Park.