Homepage News Reviews - Acts - Shows - Screen - Radio - Books - Clubs Interviews Awards 2006 Edinburgh 2005 - Reviews - Blog - Previews Features Archive Awards 2005 Edinburgh 2004: - Previews - Shows - Diary Guestbook Forum © Emporium Of Mirth 2004 Editor: Lauren Murphy Reporters: Fiona Wilkie Natalie Joanne	Emporium of Mirth Mitch Benn and The Distractions As you can probably gather, the staff here at Emporium of Mirth are quite partial to Mitch Benn’s comedy stylings and as such, 75% of the team hiked out to the depths of Saaaaath landahn to see Mitch in full band mode with his Distractions. The problem is, it’s quite hard to review them purely from a comedy point of view… Although Mitch’s self-advertising boasted that they were to be playing “the set from Edinburgh – which we’re actually quite proud of” quite a lot of new material had crept into the twin sets with songs from both of Mitch’s albums nestling along site new compositions from his work on Radio 4. What strikes you during these two sets isn’t just the comedy crafting of the songs Mitch pens, but how tight and accomplished they are as a band. Bassist Kirsty may have turned down Mel C to be in the band, and Tash may have previously drummed for freakishly-eyebrowed pop idiots Busted, but they both possess a comedian’s sense of timing along with their obvious musical skill. The gig in question was mostly made up of existing followers (and even family) of Mitch and the band and as such, it retained a rather intimate feel in what was actually quite a reasonably sized venue, this meant that the trio were relaxed and on form. They may have been a little shambolic at times (the three appeared to have conflicting set lists) but this caused them to banter between songs and this ultimately added to the atmosphere. Mitch even got out his Michael Myers mask and woolly hat and did his “Mitch Benninem” version of Hamlet. Genius. What Mitch is able to do expertly, is disguise his song introductions as stand-up and as a result, you feel like you’re actually at two gigs at once, both of which equally funny. Particular highlights were “Rock and Roll Hall of Death” and “I never Went Through a Smiths Phase” Oh, by the way, Tash was very nice, and we all fancy her. * *she told us to say that Reviewed by Lauren - Spring 2004 UPDATE, SUMMER 2004 Mitch and The Distractions are about to head off on an autumn tour. If you haven't seen them yet, then... what are you waiting for?! Tour dates available here RSS  Printable version	Visit our Siamese Twin Sister Site!