Taipei Houston are a two piece bass and drum combo made up of Lars Ulrich's sons, Myles and Layne. They don't sound like Metallica though, and they certainly interest me more than current Metallica. They sound more like a mix of The White Stripes and Big Business. Layne has some Jack White style yelps but his fuzzed out bass tone and volume is very Big Business. 'The Middle' sounds like Big Business covering Hendrix's 'Fire'. Intriguing.
The Last Internationale play politicised heavy blues rock which sounds like The Damn Truth or a female fronted Rival Sons. Singer Delila, resplendent in a metallic jumpsuit, is a real presence with a strong bluesy voice reminiscent of Beth Hart. '1984' has Rage Against The Machine dynamics, especially on the chorus whilst guitarist Edgey delivers some neat Tom Morello style guitar work. They also have an MC5 edge but this might be down to their political leanings rather than anything else. Uptempo rocker 'Hero' raises the energy levels, whilst the vocals verge on operatic during the song's climax. Delila plays keys on the slower numbers, 'Soul On Fire' and 'Running For A Dream'. The placement of the microphone doesn't pick her voice up properly and this, along with the drop in tempo, derails the momentum a little. Delila has an annoying habit of not always singing into the mic which is a shame when you consider how good her voice is. 'Wanted Man' is more commercial rock in the vein of Tyler Bryant. 'Hard Times' is played quicker than the studio version which gives it an 'Icky Thump' meets 'Black Betty' feel. Good stuff. Delilah covers every inch of the venue, singing in the crowd on the floor, on the bar and in the seats at the back of the venue. It is clear that The Last Internationale are a very good band but they don't always hold my attention and they aren't as captivating as they could or should be.
The Last Internationale ***
Taipei Houston ***
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