Christ this was a tough call! Kasabian, Spring and The Paddingtons all playing on the same evening. Despite having high expectations, as the band have previously toured with the likes of the Babyshambles and Har Mar Superstar, there was still some apprehension as to whether they would live up to the hype. So, the attendees (aka reluctant friends) were twittering curses along the lines of “they’d better be great” given that they'd chosen the band over and above “safer bets” also playing in Leeds . Watching the support bands, there was undoubtedly some angst and considerable doubt about the major decision that had been made on who to go and see. This was thankfully diminished when The Old House entered the stage. Entertaining and possibly even enjoyable, however not quite unique, or even close to touching on sensational, I hasten to say just another band to come out of the post-Libertines surge. What comes next is what can only most closely be described as, early 80’s style Grange Hill style drop outs (I kid you not!). This is not an insult. This, is an honour!
The Paddingtons, quite frankly, oozed in presence beyond their years. Even if you’d never come across them before you knew instantly that they HAD to be the band that a hype has been growing around their current tour. Cue the music. Small (not for much longer) band from Hull rocking the Vine and the crowd went wild! What?! Like that ever happens! But it did! To look at singer Tom you just wouldn’t expect the voice that came out of him to come from the not quite legal drinker. Drummer Grant was absolutely nuts!
Lloyd on bass, Josh and Marv on guitars complete the line up of this baby faced band. They played for no longer than half an hour but this was more than enough to satisfy a curiosity that had been lingering, and has led to an ever growing following. They have to be doing something right, with Pete Doherty (ex Libertines front man, now with Babyshambles) as their mentor, as well as signing to Alan McGee's Poptones label and NME dedicating a page to them in a recent issue. And that won't be the end.
Vicky Beercock saw The Paddingtons at the Vine in Leeds, Saturday 16 October 2004
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