The Random Chocolates put on a brilliant show Saturday night at Smiley's. Undoubtably my favorite band, the high-energy show was a mix of excellent originals and finely chosen covers.The band consists of Canadian Richard Adkin (guitar, vocals), Hungarian David Asztalos (drums, vocals) and Englishman Michael Kentish (bass, vocals). Somehow Mike Kentish's voice survived at least 3 concerts this week. Mike's told a funny story about the origins of line "If you know that life is good, it probably is" from the song "Pure," at PTK's expense. Rich also enliightened us about the origins of "Aggro Count" (Budapest public transport) and "The Michael" (Borat).

I can't stomach The Doors, especially "Light My Fire,"  - with the exception of the Chock's version. Mike's mellower reworking of the Beastie Boy's "Fight for Your Right" was an eye opener. Let's face it, I like everything they sing, but particularly enjoyed "Charlotte," "Aggro Count" "Pure," "Mookie Brando, "Casa Retro," and "A-Punk."

The opening act was Mike Kentish and Jérôme Li-Thiao-Te doing pretty much the same good set they did at Treehugger Dan's on Thursday, but with much more confidence the second time around. Review here.

Catch Mike and Jerome and the other Poosta Ramblers at Treehugger Dan's on March 3rd, and Mike and Jamie Howell at Treehugger Dan's on April 21st.

Set List

1. Mookie Brando
2. Charlotte
3. Pure
4. Aggro Count
5. Chocolate (Snow Patrol)
6. Found
7. Home Wherever
8. New Upholstery
9. The Michael
10. Boys Keep Swinging (David Bowie)
11. Empty Heaven
12. Bp Life - It is what it is
13. A-Punk (Vampire Weekend)
14. The Trip, The Bell & The Salutation
15. Wrong
16. La Tristesse Durera (Manic Street Preachers)
17. Casa Retro
18. Budapest
19. (I Was an) Indie Snob
20. Solar

Encore:
21. Light My Fire (The Doors)
22. Fight for Your Right (Beastie Boys)