Hand of Stabs LV21

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In the evening I went to a gig on board an old Light Ship LV21 which is moored in Gillingham and has been converted into an art centre. It was part of the same series of events that had me trailing through the woods to see Hand of Stabs at Grain a few weeks ago. The band had been making a video as part of their Month of Sundays events and tonight was the first showing along with the band playing live. I was so tired by the time I got home that I almost didn’t go but in the end I dragged myself out of the door and down to the ship.

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The event was also part of an exhibition called Tides of Change which runs for all of half term and includes workshops for kids. There were several rooms on each of the decks of the ship which had the work of various artists on show – these included Billy Childish, Julie Bradshaw, Nick Stewart and others. We had an hour or so to look around before Hand of Stabs film and this was made even better by the supply of free wine and nibbles – there was even a hot spiced apple juice on offer and although I didn’t try it the smell was wonderful.

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The room that inspired me most was filled with works made from driftwood as well as other objects such as clocks. I could have spent all night in there looking at the various objects whilst being serenaded by a slow ticking metronome hidden in a box on top of the display cabinet. It was such a relaxing sound that you didn’t want to leave.

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The bands gear was set up in a big room at the front of the ship.There was a small stage and a screen an a variety of seats scattered around the room. I chose a seat near the screen that allowed me to watch the band and the video – it was also near the front so there was no one in front of me!

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The video wasn’t quite what I was expecting – I thought it would be a video of the band’s performances during the Month of Sundays but instead it concentrated on the venues and their environment – often in minute detail. The music was great too – I think this was probably my favourite of the shows I’ve seen. As ever it was all over too soon.

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Here is the video that was shown that night

and part 2

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