Lost Transmission

"They say that good things come in threes. Here's another band from the Oxford area with an outrageously good melodic prog rock song that took our preconceptions hostage. Combining a chugging guitar-laden canvas with an unusual eastern minor-scale melody (listen to see what we mean!), this high quality recording treats us to a surprise guitar solo near the end, all the better for the wait. Morrissey meets Roxy Music at a Motorhead reunion? No, different to that... Elbow, Muse and Radiohead can't match the sheer abandon of this Transmission offering... novel, noteworthy and abnormally good. [Any offers for completing the trilogy?... Ed]" - LemonRock

On to headliners Transmission, whose farewell gig I played two years ago (who says the Oxford Music Scene is incestuous?) Still, trying to assume an unbiassed perspective, I found the performance of their Muse-influenced first song of the night extraordinary. Lead singer Mark Cobb is a natural frontman, (he looks like a forty year old Keith Richards if the latter had laid off 95% of the drugs), and tonight he sang as if two years of backed-up showmanship had come bursting out of a collapsed dam. All octaves of an impressive vocal range were activated, with a howling falsetto particularly effectively used: I doubt Matt Bellamy could have been as good, although he would have loved to try as the song, with its theatrical Lisztian cadences, was fantastic. The band are without a weak link and gave solid support on this track and beyond-their guitarist is effortless and accomplished, the bass playing is unfussy and Lena’s high-energy drumming is perfectly plumbed into the system. However, the songwriting doesn’t always hold the level of their first triumph, with occasional forays into straightforward pub-rocking, (one tune reminded me of Aerosmith, which can never be good), and another track with an Arabic-sounding intro just seemed plain odd. Having said all that, the band stands or falls by Cobb’s direct relationship with the audience, and with a mixture of brilliant singing, enthusiastically bad dancing, and having a bloody good band behind him, he entertained old believers and newbies alike. Welcome back.
By Colin MacKinnon (Oxfordbands.com)

- Oxford Bands

The Jericho Tavern is on Walton Street, and has long been a Mecca for live music fans – they present an eclectic mix of artists ranging from drum ‘n bass DJs to tribute acts such as “Fake Bush”. On Thursday 19th of June I went with a friend to see “Lost Transmission” perform in the upstairs music lounge. The ‘lounge’ (as the regulars call it), is a typical city music venue – dark, smoky walls covered with posters of bands, some new and some old, back lighting, creaky wooden floor and a small raised stage area covered with a beer soaked carpet. Wonderful!

‘”Lost Transmission” have been around a long time and have record label interest. After a period of what artists like to call “resting”, they have reformed with a new drum and bass combo and I was there to watch the Nightshelter’s own Dario (drums) play his maiden gig. There were two support acts, of varying ability: the first act were like the Proclaimers on ketamine, but the second group sported an excellent guitarist who performed his own material with great energy. They warmed the not inconsiderable crowd up well, and after the obligatory run to the beer garden for a nicotine break, we made our way back to watch Lost Transmission.

They are a classic four piece – drums, bass, guitar and vocals, who perform original material. Despite having only recently reformed, they have been offered gigs at festivals around the country and have interest from several labels, and it’s easy to see why: they have an amazingly charismatic front man, reminiscent of Jim Kerr (Simple Minds) both vocally and physically; their catalogue of songs is varied, and yet retains a character of its own, performed with energy and ability by Zeek (guitar), Brian (bass) and Dario (drums). They retain an original sound, yet produce textures and rhythms reminiscent of other groups to catch the ear – there were touches of early Led Zeppelin, the Waterboys and some Michael Stripe type touches – but the overall sound was their own. I enjoyed the fact that the songs explored different musical structures, making use of Arabic scales, tempo changes and segues, whilst still retaining a commercial indie edge.

They are performing at the Exeter Hall on August 23rd, with “The Mile High Young Team” (Dario drums for them too!), and they are well worth a listen for those of you who like thoughtful writing with a bit of a kick! Check out their website on myspace.com/transmission4. Recommended!!!

By IVAN Jewel - Ivan Jewel

LOST TRANSMISSION
HELLO MUSIC INDUSTRY WITH YOUR DEAF EARS AND HIGH TROUSER WAISTLINES! THERE IS A BAND HERE OOZING WITH PASSION, TALENT AND CONFIDENCE! OPEN YOUR EYES AND LOOK,LISTEN I DONT CARE IF YOU'RE HAVING A CUP OF TEA AND A CAKE!!!!!!!! KICK THE VICAR OUT OF YOUR LUXURY APARTMENT AND LISTEN! LOST TRANSMISSION ARE PLAYING NOW! THIS HAS TO BE ONE OF THE MOST VOCALLY GIFTED,GOD GIVEN TALENTED TEAMS THAT NEED PAYING ATTENTION TO. LOST TRANSMISSION GRIND OUT THEIR TALENTED LYRICAL MASTERPIECES WITH PASSION AND POWER THATS SECOND TO NONE...PUMPING BASS LINES,ROCKING GUITARS,GREAT PRODUCTION,AND EXCELLENT VOCALS,THIS IS A BAND WE ALL SHOULD BE TRUELY EXCITED ABOUT! LOST TRANS DELIVER PURE MUSICAL EXCELLENCE WITH DIVERSE MUSICAL INFLUENCES REPRESENTING A GLORIOUS MUSICAL COLLISION OF SOUNDS THAT ALL GEL TOGETHER PERFECTLY. THIS IS A BAND THAT SHOW WITH THEIR BREATH TAKING TALENT THAT THEY ARE THEIR OWN BAND WITH THEIR OWN SOUNDS,COMPLETE WITH A NO HOLES BARRED STYLE AND A WHO GIVES A SHIT ATTITUDE. LIVE LIKE KINGS, YOU ALL SHOULD BE CROWNED LIKE KINGS. THIS IS A BAND THAT THIS GENRE OF MUSIC HAS BEEN WAITING FOR TO TAKE THIS MUSIC INDUSTRY BY STORM AND THEY WILL. GOOD LUCK GUYS.

LIKE YOU NEED IT :-)

REESE (DIABLO) GENTLE : LEEDS MUSIC SCENE - Leeds Music Scene