Fopp unsigned Bands winners Olympus Mons and Morton Valance were in attendance tonight at the Tottenham Court Road branch of the record shop.
I've been a fan of Fopp since my student days in Sheffield - spending the majority of my student loan that didn't go on beer in there creating a many and varied CD collection.

Tonight was the first time I had been to the Tottenham Court Road "Megastore" though - and it's quite a place. The bar downstairs is cosy to say the least, and Olympus Mons front man Aaron made it clear their set might not be quite as bombastic as usual to protect our eardrums.
This three piece came across well, Aaron's shy but likeable persona won the audience over and their angular guitars revealed some good tunes. They won last years 3 student Music award and the young fanbase who appeared to be out in force are obviously taking them to heart. I was going to get through this review without mentioning Bloc Party but there is an obvious similarity: angular guitars and an eloquent black lead singer, I wouldn't go as far as to say that these youngsters are better but they have real potential.

Morton Valance were scuppered by what I believe is known as "technical difficulties", not that suprising considering the two keyboards, trumpet, harmonica, bass and drums set up. Oh and I mustn't forget the highly energetic maraca player - not quite Bez but along the same lines. It's difficult to give a fair review with the sound problems they had - not least the guitar breaking through the set leaving them with no "rock" section. They showed sparks of brilliance not least in opening number "Sailors" but their frontman wasn't as likeable, despite giving out Cherry Bakewells at the beginning and in a venue this small engaging with the audience would seem to be the first thing to do. Again, this may all come down to frustration with the sound issues and I'd like to see them again in a more suitable venue.