The Psychøtic Reactiøn

 The Cherry Tree, Canterbury, 8th May 2007

Our second band gig in a week after nothing since February- hopefully our drought is over! The Cherry Tree, reputedly established in 1372, is a funny old place- it’s two tiny rooms resembling a dodgy Greek restaurant c. 1978 not making it the most obvious choice for a music venue, but it works- and a lot better than certain other self-proclaimed ‘music clubs’ around here.

It’s been doing music for a while now, but the current man-with-the-plan is one Tim. Tim hails from Southampton where, as you may know, there is a far healthier live music scene than Canterbury. Not difficult, you might say, but anyway, Tim’s approach definitely works- for a start, not only is there an in-house PA, along with mics and stands (that all work AND he knows how to use- by no means the norm!!), secondly, he pays sensible money (10% of bar takings- illuminating as to just how much a lot of places are not paying bands) and thirdly, live music isn’t simply treated as an apologetic addition to the evening- the minimal size of the pub makes it inescapable and it’s properly treated as the main attraction, not a liability or a background to conversation over overpriced drinks (or football on the tele!!Arrgh!). The lack of neighbours means doors can be left open (and so attract passing punters), or guitar solos undertaken in the street; always a plus-point in my book.

For them that care, these were our sets:

SET 1):

1. Dance of the Midwich Cuckoos
2. ES-40
3. A Million Platitudes
4. Last Train
5. The New Victor (Dick Dale)
6. Battery In My Brain
7. Louie Louie (Richard Berry)
8. The Medway Crab Fisherman
9. Put Your Weight On Me

SET 2):

1. What’s Under The Stairs?
2. Cocoon
3. Barking Up The Wrong Tree
4. Knickers In The Photocopier
5. Overdraft Blues
6. It’s A Small Town
7. A Moment Of Clarity
8. Bass Vi

So- the Cherry Tree is quite possibly my new favourite venue- it has the bands, the organisation, the unusually high concentration of attractive women; all it needs now is some decent beer (I suggest perhaps some Fullers or Greene King for starters…)

We’re back on 3rd July, by the way!!