Something Simple

There is nothing simple about this band's music. The songs they energetically perform are mostly their own creations and are a fusion of diverse influences from Bob Marley to Pendulum. Infectious melodies are entwined with bold bass lines and hearty brass parts. Occasionally audiences are also lucky enough to witness genius covers of classic favourites as part of their set.

Something Simple are an impressively large 8-piece band, with a sound that has gradually evolved as new members have joined. I knew the band when they first started out five years ago, producing a very different sound to now. Something Simple are unique on stage. Lead singer, Callum Monaghan has a phenomenal voice and great stage presence. Regular solos from each band member show the real depth of their talent - Olly Lowe on drums, Fabio De Oliveira on percussion, Lester Salmins bass and vocals, Greg Sanders guitar and vocals and Tom Shirm jumps between keyboard, guitar and vocals. Improvised solos from Leo Aarons-Richardson on sax and Alaric Taylor on Trumpet are particularly spine-tingling. Individually they are brilliant but the real magic is produced when you put them all together.

I have seen them a few times at The Good Ship in Kilburn. It’s quite a workout trying to battle your way to the front, to dance and sing with the band - the whole place grooving to their soulful sound. It is clear that they love to play, but don't believe me, go and see them for yourself.

http://www.something-simple.co.uk/index.php

GIGS COMING UP:

Cambridge University St John's May Ball - June 15th

Glastonbury, Field of Avalon - Thursday June 24th 12-1am and Saturday June 26th 9-10 pm

The Good Ship, Kilburn - July 2nd

LISTEN TO THEM:

http://www.myspace.com/somethingsimple

or watch them - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uaTKnznwQ4

Busaba Eathai

Situated in the heart of Soho, Busaba Eathai is a canteen-style Thai fusion restaurant. I went prepared to queue, but was pleased to find that we could run straight in (it had begun pouring with rain). Expansive dark shiny wooden tables fill the fragrant space, we were ushered to a long communal table to join another group of eager diners.


We had a strict time schedule, and needed to be in and out within an hour, which was no problem for our friendly and efficient waiter. Choosing a selection of dishes between us seemed like the best plan, and I was particularly proud of my clever choices - Guava collins juice, Mussaman duck curry with jasmine rice and a side dish of Morning glory, all delicious and fresh. The Morning glory with yellow bean, Thai garlic and red chilli tasted far too yummy to be a vegetable, and was definitely my favourite of the day. I previously knew only of the plant that produces beautiful flowers in the morning, and bloom at my grandmother's house in the South of France. However this Morning glory (Ipomoea aquatica), known also as water spinach, water convolvulus, Ong-Choy, Kang-kung or swamp cabbage is quite different and is used in East and South east Asian cuisines. It's actually banned in the US! (See USDA weed factsheet)

The open front restaurant with floating candles had a lovely atmosphere, and was the perfect refuge from the bustling streets of Soho. Busaba is like a glorified Wagamama, and now boasts five branches across the capital. Thai food can be a challenging mix of flavours, but if you're after a reasonably priced, good feed Busaba is a delicious choice and will leave you feeling completely satisfied.

http://www.busaba.com/