Willy and the Surroundings.
Word of mouth, Magnet 11-03-09.
Time is getting on and the basement in Magnet looks strangely like a ghost town. In the back ground on the stage a band 
begins to set up in almost silence.
“Welcome to Willy and the half breads!” The keyboard smashes out a couple of chords and Willy seductively speaks over the top “there’s the F sharp, that’s a G minor and another ….” And so on. The guitarists seem to be suspended form strings like puppets, their legs loose at the knees and head flopping to the relaxed beat. Having guitarists that look like each other gives a stylised look to the band set up and at times, if your not careful you could mistake them for one another.
The first song begins, a total ‘mish-mash’ of sounds “you shouldn’t be afraid to do what you want to do” People slowly descend upon them like lions to their pray. You can see their minds ticking, trying to analyse what the hell is going on. It took them a while to realise that actually, if you let yourself go and stop trying to make sense of it all you get to be on the same wavelength as the band and all becomes clear. At first they were not trying to play you a pretty song that you could sing and dance along to they were trying to make a statement, as Willy said “its about having fun and letting go” I found it best when they started to close my eyes and really involve myself with their sound; I was totally carried up, up and away almost like coming out of myself and looking down.
It was interesting watching the audience. Slowly but surely they started to do the same as me, they stopped worrying about what people thought and who was watching and let their selves go. Willy and the surroundings, which only formed 2 days before the gig, totally had the audience by the balls.
They can really play their instruments, none of this basic chord progression that we all have heard thousands of times before. They smack the sound out and feed it to your on a silver platter.
Their songs had the feeling of running a marathon. A slow and gradual build up then a massive sprint to the finish that ends in a climax and a deep breath of relief, Phew!
By the second song the crowd loved them! Within the space of 5 minutes they had changed peoples mind and built up a crowd no less then 35 strong, which for the basement in magnet is a big crowd! I loved their second song but I would have liked them to inform us (being the audience) of the name somewhere along the line. This particular song was one of those songs you could listen to on your I-pod in the sunshine, hands in pockets, ray bans on, head held high, kicking you heels with a spring in your step. It reminded me of 2 things 1. The song ‘what a day for a day dream’ by Lovin’ Spoonful and 2. A children’s television program such as Rainbow from the 80’s. I have no idea what the song was about but I totally loved it. It was so refreshing on the ears.
Its experimental, soulful, rocky pop crossed with a little country and a lot of passion. They are lively, energetic and full of fun. Not everyone’s cup of tea but if your able to open your mind to something a little different without judgement then give them a go. You’ll leave their gig exhilarated, exhausted and more confused then you were when you went in. Its everything and nothing all under the same roof and they knocked the socks off of that stage. When’s the next one boys?
Fred or Barney? Fred! In fifth grade I went by Wilma.
Alcohol or Sweets? Alcohol! Crunch bars, Snickers-the pork of candy bars.
Jenga or Connect 4? Jenga! Don’t mess with the best.
Master mind or Master chef? Mastermind! Take your mind to the park, walk in your head. Reality is fun to dismantle.
Marmite or Jam? Marmite!
Ibiza or Glastonbury? Ibiza! Where the honeys at?!
Rain or shine? Shine! Ahh if it’s pouring rain, I’ll make a dam.
Charity shop or High street? Charity shop!
Electric or Acoustic? Electric! Acoustic pianos over keyboards.
Gin and orange or Babysham? Gin and Orange! Jack straight.
Cheers or Fraiser? Seinfeld
Ringo ro Moon? Bingo!
Mods or Rockers? hah emos! screamos!
Eyes or Mouth? Eyes! butterfly kisses, eskimo kisses
Dylan or Marley? solo dylan, vintage marley
Sunglasses in the rain or Wellies in the sun? anythin with orange tint
Father Christmas or the Easter bunny? The easter bunny! EASTERBUNNY!
Danger mouse or Spongebob? Sponge bob square pants! See, I almost like squidward.
Kevin or Perry? pardon?
Fry up or Sunday roast? Fry up!
50’s cadilac or 90’s escort? 50′s cadilac!
Jeans or Suit? ash in my Jeans!
Weekends or Weekdays? Weekends, for sure
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