One Word/The Bedroom Text/Monster Logic

Chaplin’s, Cellar Bar, Bournemouth

After seeing Monster Logic only last week and being somewhat impressed, we turn up at The Cellar to see if it was a one-off or if they are the real deal. Opening a three band largely Indie bill they straight away hit their stride. They open with “Silence In Your Mind” and once again their bass-driven Indie strikes a chord with us. Most of their songs seem to have a story attached to them, not least on early highlight “Too Rich For My Blood”. I get a hint of Kings of Leon in the vocal which I didn’t hear before, but that’s no criticism. Alex (vox) has a wide and varied range with a great band behind him. Tonight they are somewhat starved of the stage room afforded them at Madding Crowd, but it doesn’t hinder their output. “Big” is literally big, yet they have an almost complete sound (rather than a wall of)! And even at this stage in their career they have a decent stab at The Pixies “Where Is My Mind”. However, for once Aidan’s bass seems somewhat absent. “Talk You Down” has a fuller sound with heavy drumming from Jordan and the welcome return of Aidan’s bass. “Selfish” is their best track where Josh and Nat (guitars) standout! Again Alex’s range is superb and they complete two more numbers to good applause.

Monster Logic 1–2–3–4–5–6

Next up are the interestingly monikered “Bedroom Text”. Their blog would suggest they are a 5-piece but tonight they are simply a trio. Missing the bass and keys they deliver slightly Yank-inspired harmonies aplenty and with humour. I’m briefly reminded of Pumpkins in the guitars early on and their first seven songs are pretty similar, but it’s good honest endeavour and they don’t let missing band members affect their set.

They open with Gazebo and Benji and Jacob (guitars/vox) dual vocal style seems to work well enough. “Sweater Top, Jumper Dress” is an early highlight with Blake’s symbal-led drumming coming to the fore. On other tracks though the vocals are maudlin and sound like a band trying too hard. And yet on their penultimate song “Head To Toe” they seem to liven up as the crowd suddenly appears to swell in number. They’ve saved the best until last with “Gina”. It reminds me of Indie underachiever’s “Whipping Boy” with it’s dark guitars and strong moody sound. On another night with a full line-up we might get the whole sound, but for tonight they get away with it – just!

Bedroom Text 1–2–3–4–5

And so to the headliners. “One Word” have been all over social media recently, literally selling themselves to anyone who will listen. I thought it about time we did just that! In a nutshell One Word play “feelgood Rock” with hints of Indie and Pop/Punk. They open with “Get Out Of My Head” and set out their stall early. This is a band who just ooze fun and having a good time. Confidence doesn’t appear to be a problem either as they launch into a rampant Arctic’s cover (“Dancefloor”), complete with choreographed head nods.

“Still Me” precedes the rather apt “Good Times” while my partner in crime tonight notices the band are three quarters bespectacled! As they get deeper into their set and grow in confidence they start playing around with mash-ups and covers. “Price Tag” (Jesse J) is new to me while they win many friends with “Uptown Funk”, as punters young and old find their feet. Again “Shut Up and Dance” (Walk The Moon) is new to me but by now they have this Cellar crowd eating out of the palms of their hands. The Ed Sheeran/Killers mash-up is the perfect ending as band and punters are grinning from ear to ear. But this now enthusiastic crowd are baying for more.

One Word 1–2–3–4–5

From memory “Chelsea Dagger” is their parting gift as they milk it one last time. There really is nothing to fault or dislike about One Word.

Great musicians and musicianship, great stagecraft, a clutch of great songs and an ability to get people moving to their beat. Whether booked for a function or playing a live arena, I doubt if their output and sense of fun would ever decrease. I will watch with interest their trajectory as tonight I feel they set a marker. This is their time and with youth on their side it’s how they choose to use it.

Set Lists
One Word
Get Out Of My Head
I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor (Artic Monkeys)
Still Me
Good Times
Twice
It’s Not Love (It’s Just Habit)
Get Along
Jump Into Tomorrow
More Than a Line
The Sweet Smell of Regret
Price Tag (Jesse J)
Uptown Funk (Mark Ronson/Bruno Mars)
Shut Up and Dance (Walk The Moon)
Castle On The Hill (Ed Sheeran) & Mr Brightside (The Killers)- Mash Up
Chelsea Dagger(The Fratellis)

The Bedroom Text
Gazebo
Crane Drive
Remember When
Plain
Sweater Top, Jumper Dress
Next To You
Wherever
Head To Toe
Gina

Monster Logic
Silence in Your Mind
Too Rich For My Blood
Brand New Dawn
Big
We Fell
Where is My Mind(The Pixies)
Talk You Down
Selfish
12
Corrupt You

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