POWDER at the Beatbox, Swansea
16 March 2000

For those who haven't yet had the opportunity to visit the Beatbox in Swansea, it is a little dive of a place decorated in the almost obligatory black paint located opposite the train station. Reminiscent of many such live venues, it would make any gig goer from anywhere in the country feel very much at home. The first thing you notice, however, when you enter the Beatbox for a Powder gig is the sales booth at the entrance. Obviously, this is the place to purchase a ticket (£1 only - read it and weep you big smoke boys), but additionally you can purchase anything from a whole range of Powder merchandise, mainly created by hand, by the band. Darren, Powder's manager, mans the booth that is handy for the A&R - they know where to find him. At the bar we ordered two pints of larger, and were promptly given two bottles. Looking around, there was a very good crowd in, even for the support group. What does strike you though is the high number of what I would call 'true fans' at the gig, rather than the more normal 'mates of the band' and 'boys that used to be in the band'. No, this was different. Lots of real fans wanting to hear real live rock music. Powder went on around 10:30 and played a cracking 45 minute set. The band has some great tracks such as Generation Ecstasy, Wish and Paranoid Polaroid as well as an excellent stage presence. The sound at the Beatbox was reasonable for a venue of this size with a good level on the vocal. Lighting was good if somewhat minimal. Most impressive though was the fireworks used to kick off the opening number, Sugar. Real over-the-top rock posturing that is great to see and helps to take the performance towards a show rather than just a gig. After the encore of Day In, Day Out the band rounded off by doing a giveaway of their latest CD single 'The Pretty Incomplete?' throwing out CDs into the crowd. This was also followed by drumsticks, the set-list, etc. I'm looking forward to seeing these boys back in Swansea again very soon.

POWDER are next playing in the Beatbox Swansea on May 25th 2000