Summer fun on the bill at Crown and Treaty

Hayes FM presenter Hughie Dixon reviews the live band scene

SUMMER’S here (officially at least) and the time is right for dancing in the local venues. One such venue is the Crown and Treaty in Oxford Road, Uxbridge on Friday where for just £5 (after 10pm but free before), where people can lap up the talents of three (two so far and one to be announced) truly gifted bands.

One such outfit goes by the name of Raga, whose dark and dirty sound has an early Velvet Underground tinted with the lesser commercial side of Joy Division vibe about it.

With happy beats over thrashing riffs, they tread the deviant path set out by forefathers The Arctic Monkeys and The Vines rather well but with, of course, their very own stamp.

Also on the Treaty bill the Friday are Bellicose (pictured). This fine

foursome of females from Harrow on the Hill have some great songs that are well arranged and, as their YouTube channel can confirm, they’re all expertly performed with harmonies, feeling and gusto.

This will be at least their second Treaty airing this year and I’m hoping to catch them myself as I missedi d theth l last t one. H Hopefullyf ll see you there.

The mighty John Donegan returns to my show on Tuesday August 2 for a live session.

This incredible songwriter will warm the airwaves from 9pm onward on 91.8fm or www. hayesfm.org.uk.