Let me just start by saying that you can pretty much always rely on the sesh to put top bands on

Hulls having a major purple patch live music wise at the moment and I think Mak from the sesh was quoted as saying hes currently got something like 250 + local bands to choose from when putting these bills together

Not only that but a hell of a lot of the more established ones are pretty damn great, with a lot of the newer ones showing a lot of spirit and promise

This has got to be unprecedented, and Id say the sesh has had a lot to do with the current healthy state of the local scene

A guaranteed decent turnout for the bands and the opportunity to play with some of hulls better known names (and some from further afield), and a guaranteed top night, free of charge for hulls gig goers. Everyones a winner

New bands need the encouragement and the opportunity to play to up for it audiences to get the confidence to push themselves forward. The sesh has become both a great night out and the perfect showcase for local talent, and a bit of a prestigious one at that these days

Anyway I was particularly prompted to write this review after having been there last night (Aug 8th) to see Fonda 500

Quite simply this lot have to be one of THE best live acts going. I dont just mean locally, I mean ANYWHERE. They were supported by excellent new local acts The Rocky Nest and Matt Edibles new outfit The Holy orders, both of who Id recommend, but Fonda were the stars of the show

If the greatness of Hull is one of the UKs best kept secrets, then the crazy brilliance of Fonda has to be one of musics best kept secrets

How these guys arent massive is beyond me as its impossible to watch them without a huge grin on your face

They dont really sound like anyone other than themselves which is an achievement in itself in an age of scenes and soundalikes

Ive seen Fonda a hell of a lot of times over this past few years and this sesh gig has to have been them at their very best. Descriptions are a bit redundant unless youve seen them play for yourself, but phrases such as quirky, creative, funky, rocky, electronic, casio-obsessed and very funny would all be in there somewhere

They rattled through a lot of their classics and had most of the place in the palm of their hands a couple of songs in. Computer freaks of the galaxy and Robotic samba program in particular seemed to get even the most leaden footed observer moving, and the band reacted to this by playing a hilariously and clearly unplanned extended version of the latter

The band are notorious for their humorous but deadpan attitude on stage but Id swear even lead singer Simon couldnt help the occasional smile during this set, and they really seemed to be loving it and the reaction they were getting. Lots of knowing looks were being exchanged by all those in attendance as they knew they were watching a band right on top of it, and it was pretty special

I dragged along a mate who amazingly had never seen them before and his reaction was one of oh my god, when can I see em again?. Its always the way with anyone who sees em for the first time

I would suggest if you havent you make it one of your top priorities

Big respect to Mak and co at the sesh for giving everyone the opportunity to have nights like these and Id also recommend everyone to keep an eye on the listings for their forthcoming bills as theres plenty more to be had

Well done if you got to the end of this