In Concert: Paul Weller

Carlisle Sands Centre – December 3rd 2009

For once, the support band only warrants a passing mention. Twisted Wheel were all well and good, but they’re no Paul Weller.

For the once time at the Sands Centre, I was able to forget that the venue is actually a sports hall for most of the year.

The atmosphere was nothing short of incredible. Which I suppose is only reasonable to expect from such a legendary artist. The Jam, the Style Council, and a solo career still going today – the set contained everything new and old.

Weller even seemingly apologised for some of the ‘new’. “It’s difficult hearing some things for the first time,” he said about one track “but it’s a good one”. And, even if someone in the packed auditorium wasn’t overly impressed, I’m sure it was made up for with classics like You do something to me, Shout to the top, and a final encore of Town Called Malice.

What was particularly impressive was, in hearing so much of his work in one place at one time, was how varied it can be. From quiet acoustic numbers through to loud mosh-pit enducing choruses – all were there. All were sung with passion, enthusiasm, and power.

To say “he’s still got it” is a cliche – but it’s true. And it’s great to see that people of Weller’s repute are still gigging, still putting their all into it, and still appearing to have fun along the way.

Technorati Tags: Paul Weller,Twisted Wheel

In Concert: The Automatic

Carlisle Brickyard – November 26th

What’s that coming over the hill?

It’s a brand new album from everyone’s favourite Welsh indie-rockers, the Automatic. After the huge success of debut album “Not accepted anywhere” in 2006, “This is a fix” was a difficult 2nd album in 2008 not getting to the top 40. However, “Tear the Signs Down” is going to be their first album on their own label – out next February – and they’re now off promoting it in advance together with the new single Interstate (out 6 December).

Support came from Straight Lines, another Welsh group with their debut album coming out early next year. It was a classic warm-up performance – loud, raucous, and infectious. There wasn’t a bad song in the set, particular favourites being the slightly twisted tune in All my friends have joined the army and the complete power of To be honest. The first album could well be one to look forward to.

Back to the headliners then, it was a nice mix of nice and old. Starting with Steve McQueen and featuring, of course, Monster, there were the songs that everyone was able to sing along to. Paul Mullen joined the band around the time of the second album, and I think it’s clear to tell that he’s got his feet more under the table (as it were) – taking the vocals on more of the new songs, and giving a subtly different feel to the music.

It’s like the band have grown up in a way, and was a very hopeful indication that the new album will be good fun.

In Concert: The Proclaimers

The last time I was at The Sands Centre for a concert, I did point out that I didn't view it as a perfect venue. Last night for The Proclaimers, it was proved even more with the lights often coming on a split second too late and far too many episodes of feedback for professional concert.

Miles Hunt (out of off of the Wonderstuff) was support, and sadly not as inspiring as hoped. Most of the songs were nice, but nothing more. I commented at the time that it would be a great soundtrack to a film, but not as gig music. Thankfully, ending with Size of a cow ensured that things weren't a complete damp squib.

As towards the headliners, overall it was a really good set. Inevitably, a lot of the songs I didn't recognise, and got the feeling that I wasn't the only one. Never-the-less, Love can move mountains (which I'm sure must have been a TOTW shortlist when it was released recently, but can't find it) was a particular favourite, and proof that the twins still have the ability to write good tunes.

The last 30 minutes however were an absolutely brilliant finale. Sunshine on Leith in its live form is truly emotive, and the other old favourites like I'm on my way and (of course) I'm Gonna be (500 miles) really got the crowd going - and the two First Aiders in the pit (it's a wonder they ever let me out).

Technorati Tags: Miles Hunt,The Proclaimers

In concert: First Aid Kit & Fanfarlo

When I first mentioned Fanfarlo in TOTW, I said there was more to follow. Where it followed was up in Glasgow at the world famous King Tutts, as I've been missing decent gigs for a while.

Somewhat unusually, it was actually a joint-headline gig with former TOTWers First Aid Kit.

But first of all, as ever, was the support act. Woodenbox are a local band, as is de rigeur, and as support bands often are were really really impressive. I'm trying to remember where I've heard the name from in the past, but either way the set was dynamic, and creative. A truly live experience with what I would call 'proper' instruments (ie saxophone and trumpet, not just the standard guitar + drums). Some would say that purpose of warm-up acts is to, erm, warm-up the crowd - and they managed this perfectly, with the right amount of energy to get things going without wearing things out.

First Aid Kit then took over the baton with a complete change. Close-knit harmonies with limited accompaniment showed the true vocal talents of both Klara and Johanna. Stand out track for me was the emotive cover of Universal Soldier, which is even more moving in the live. Hard Believer is the new single out on Monday, and is definitely a bit more energetic and different - I personally loved the anticipatory modulation (Can you tell I did music at school?) of the line "Love is ro-ugh" that they sang on the stage. The one flaw with the band is that you really have to be in the right sort of mood to enjoy the music in any length - and they may not be, for me at least, an "album buy" when it's out in January - but as background music and to show the talent in a live band, you can't go far wrong.

Back to Fanfarlo then, and as instrument after instrument appeared on the stage it became obvious that the band were going to be a bit nearer to The Arcade Fire than I previously thought, to be proved as the music started. Harold T Wilkins proves the similarities - as does seeing the band in action. It almost proved to be a logistical nightmare as it seemed between every song there was a mass movement to get into the right position to play yet another different instrument. Several I still have no idea what they actually were. To some extent they managed a mixed set on their own - from the gentle simple openings  to the fast paced Luna nothing seemed too much of a challenge to show the flair and talent.

I can't finish without commenting on the encore though, as First Aid Kit and Fanfarlo joined to perform This is the Way - first performed when the bands met up at the Field Day Festival. As it was really a joint headline, there's only one video I can finish wish - hope you enjoy at least as half as much as I enjoyed the diversity and flair that the gig as a whole had to offer.

Fanfarlo & First Aid Kit - This Is The Way (Devendra Banhart)

Technorati Tags: Fanfarlo,First Aid Kit,Woodenbox

Medi & The Medicine

I'm no Londonner, but some of you certainly are - so it's time for a gig tip.

Tomorrow (That's Friday), hot new band (I've always wanted to say that) Medi & The Medicine are performing at the Raison d'etre show at Pigalle.

Pigalle being the appropriate place, because the band have made it big in Paris if not yet this side of La Manche. Given I'm a dedicated francophile, all the more reason to go. Time Out have also recommended the gig as a "Clubby session with a jazz/reggae/Afro-jazz/worldbeat feel".

But it's one band that's been tipped to me - and I am immediately impressed. There's a variety of sounds on their myspace, from the sooth acoustic Gone too far to the sing-along dance-crazy I know what you did, all are well written and easy on the ear.

Even though I can't be at Pigalle on Friday, there really is a reason to be (see what I did?) there...

In Concert: Joy Formidable

Well, it took a wee while, but I finally got there. Carlisle Brickyard is a 'proper' venue - small, intimate, and with a decent history. Quite a few bands have performed there 'before they were famous', so it's a good place to keep your eyes on things. And, when I heard that up-and-coming band The Joy Formidable were due to perform, I decided that if I didn't go I'd regret it. Most unfortunately, there was not bitter on tap from the start of the evening, but providing it was a one off I will let them off on the basis of good music.

The evening started however with The Common Empire. I wasn't expecting much, they're Scottish after all (sorry guys), so after their set was very impressed. I thought at the time I'd heard bits of Blur, Glasvegas, Franz Ferdinand and Madness. Including madness from the lead singer. Jack of Spaces in particular has got that reggae feel. Out of Bounds is loud, raucous, and Indie Rock at its finest. It was thoroughly enjoyable toe-tapping music. Chazz's voice on lead vocals isn't the most tuneful or polished, but I don't think it matters all that much. Would I say they're the next big thing? Well, probably not I'm afraid. But it's good stuff all the same.

Room full of Owls followed up, with a full 6piece ensemble. I think the adverse to the The Common Empire applied here though. It was a very different line-up, I was expecting good things - but for the most part it was the same old music. Enjoyable, good, but nothing special. I was going to write a pretty luke warm review, until they finished their set with Patterns. On the radio, I'm not a huge fan of long instrumentals. But live, they've something completely different. They're an experience to feel the full power behind a band, and - done well - awe inspiring. At the time I wrote "Irish folk with a drum and guitars" to describe the song - listening to it again on myspace I think it's still a decent description, but the recording doesn't get any where near to demonstrating how good that was. I would have bought a CD there and then - but they'd run out. Shame...

Finally, the headliners - Joy Formidable. I've mentioned in the past that they're getting tipped at the minute for big things, and the set did reflect that. Just as with Room full of Owls, some cracking instrumental sections so you can feel the music instead of just listening to it. I decided to try out my the video facility on my new phone instead of lugging over my slightly-better-quality digi-cam, so whilst the quality it pretty crap there's no reason I can't demonstrate how they sounded live with a short clip of what will be their next single (out 16th Feb) - Cradle.

One complaint though was the length of the set. You were just getting into things when it came to an end. My immediate reaction of "more please" wasn't in a good way.It created the impression (wrong, I'm sure) that there wasn't much else to the listen to. What was there though was definitely cracking stuff. Loud, powerful, dynamic indie rock - starting the set as they meant to go on. I would go and see them again, and I think they're a safe bet for future plaudits.

In concert: The Zutons

Preface

Unfortunately, no-one has been able to assist with my mystery regarding this gig - who were the support act? Similarly unfortunately, Thursdays much anticipated first-gig-as-paying-punter-for-ages was cancelled - although personally this actually worked out well as I was feeling so ill I wasn't going to be able to make it in any event.

Therefore, as there was going to be a gig review this weekend anyway, I might as well post the one that's been sat in "drafts" for ages awaiting an answer.

The Zutons - Carlisle Sands Centre, 27 November 2008

They've - somehow inadvertently - become a 'Bites favourite. Might be a bit co-incidental that they've often been gigging near me as I too have been parading round the counties. But, after seeing them in a forest, at a park (in a festival), and not forgetting Dark Sprout seeing them on an island (in a festival); seeing them in an inside venue was inevitable at some point.

It's the first time I've been to The Sands Centre for a gig - so wasn't entirely sure what I should be expecting. The sports hall does convert quite nicely into a music venue all said and done, with a nice large area for standing plus a gallery. I would say though that it's still inescapably a sports hall - the painted lines on the floor giving that away. Also, the very high roof means it loses a bit of the intimacy you'd hope from for a venue with not a huge capacity.

Still, it does mean that The Zutons - being such a loud band - have someone to lose the sound in; without much of an echo, with is good. Mind you, I was in the pit throughout, so my hearing was distorted to say the least!

With the performance then, I'm not sure what can be said that can't be said before. The set list was pretty much the same as at Delamere - with all the favourites in there. What I haven't noticed before was the careful planning to have the gentle swaying sometime acoustic bit in the middle of the 1hr45 minute set. Songs like Pressure Point and of course Sitting on the Dock of the Bay Confusion to change to move just at the right moment.

Balance that with getting the crowd going with Valerie and You Will you Won't was exactly what I expected - but in a good way. It proved that they are a good live band, and have enough well known tracks to ensure that everyone has a good time.

One thing that is worth particular comment was their ultimate finale in the encore, featuring what can only be described as a three-minute three-drum solo. Normally such a phrase would strike fear into all - but it was really good. Sean Payne - with assistance on either side - managed to produce something that had to be unique (drum solos always are) and powerful. I'm surprisingly myself by saying I liked it so much.

Even though The Zutons are not a band I would rush out to by an album for, I have enjoyed their gigs enough so that if we meet again I'm sure I'll make an effort to visit. Which is a good sign for sure.

Technorati Tags: The Zutons

Bit of a mystery

This is why I'm not a proper music journo.

I went to see the Zutons on Thursday, and sat down this morning to write a proper review of them and their support act.

Unfortunately, I've hit a major stumbling block in that I don't know who the support act were. Which is a shame, as they were pretty good.

The thing is, it wasn't on any pre-gig literature I found; they probably announced it during the gig, but I can never hear what they say during a gig by virtue of the volume from the speaker stacks; and I can't find any clue despite much googling today.

So, I'll draft the Zutons part of it - but do want to know who the support band were so I can talk about them properly.

If you know, post a comment or e-mail me. Particularly if you are the band yourself!!

My Bleeding Eardrums

My Bloody Valentine, June 23rd - The Roundhouse

Creation records was nearly bankrupted by this mans use of guitars and amps to get to the perfect white noise.

I'm sure the Roundhouse may well be in the same boat.

My Bloody Valentine have returned to touring after 16 years, and after a warm-up at the ICA last week, played five nights at the Roundhouse in Camden.

You could feel the air being shot across the room, as Kevin Shields sliced some kind of distorted wave with each chord from the myriad of Fender Jazzmaster's & Jaguar's he switched through - it was almost like a product tour of each colour!

Bilinda Butcher pulled off something extraordinary during this gig, I almost caught what some of the words were! It took Mr. Shields dropping down to the most de-tuned acoustic guitar on record to acheive that on for 'Lose My Breath' from their first album.

Thankfully ear plugs were provided. Anyone who turned down that option will forever enjoy it as the last thing they probably ever heard.

For the closer, You Made Me Realise, after two minutes of garbled vocals, manic drumming and blasted guitars - the band turn on the audience and use the sonic weapon of mass destruction. As the delays and distortion layer on each other, the feeling of standing infront of the jet engine of a 747, both aurally and physically is imposed on the crowd - a deafening roar of distortion layered on distortion for an unguessable amount of time (apparently 20 minutes).

The scene is incredible, first I wonder how long it's going on for, then start to find it hilarious, then feel a bit annoyed that it's going on so long, then back to amazed, then it's funny again, then boring again. I think I ended on amazed - but also slightly relieved there was no encore.

My Bloody Valentine - Soon

In Concert: KT Tunstall

Final night of the Delamere Forest Tour, and from the previous reviews I think you'll have found a common theme - that you might not know all the songs performed.

For Tom Baxter, supporting KT Tunstall, it was worse - with only really one known song. Miracle is (I think still) on various radio station playlists, and thankfully is a very good song.

Other than that, it was a total voyage into the unknown. Which perhaps made it even more pleasing. The entire concert was at a totally different pace to previous evenings, and the mellowness of Baxter matched the picnics perfectly.

Things weren't annoyingly dreary either, a bit of enthusiasm being shown in the occasional song getting a bit more enthusiastic atmosphere. I'm sure it has to be a certain style of event to suit Baxter's music - but the boxes were ticker, and the mood was built perfectly.

Leading us nicely to KT Tunstall herself. I think there might have been one I didn't recognise - that was probably it. Tunstall plays to the crowd with an exceptional talent, ensuring everyone young and old was body popping to Hold On. She really did talk to the crowd, giving a bit of history behind Black Horse and Cherry Tree - it made it worth more than just listening to some music.

The set itself was wonderfully diverse, even if I'm not entirely sure how many guitars a girl needs - she seemed to change every other song! Beyond the rousing end of Suddenly I See to the 3-song encore of perhaps lesser known songs (including Universe & U), there's no doubt that everyone had a really good time and was enthralled in the music. I also think that the venue really suited Tunstall (and Baxter) more than the other acts - performing in a forest really is a brilliant idea, and I am very tempted to return next year, depending on the acts of course.

I finish my reviews with the same song that the weekend as a whole finished off, and the same comment that KT made - this song isn't about you. I hope, here's I don't want you now.

Technorati Tags: KT Tunstall, Tom Baxter

In Concert: Elbow

The number of people in advance of Saturday's concert, when talking to them, had no idea who Elbow were. And, in all honestly, I've only really heard of them in the past 6 months - and started to like the music within the past couple. It's a problem - they've been recording albums (under that name) since 1997 - but of the four albums released none have really had mass appeal (despite all being top 5 in the charts). I suppose it makes them more of a niche band - and yet there was still an almost sell-out crowd in Delamere Forest.

Support came from I am Kloot, who are a band I'd never actually heard of. Unfortunately, I'm afraid to say, I don't really think I'd missed much. They basically had a two part set - starting with a heavy rocky sound; finishing with a smoother acoustic selection. Regular readers will know, I'm not a fan of "rock", so whilst the opening was a lot more entertaining than with Noah and the Whale from the previous night, it really wasn't my cup of tea. Some of the slower numbers were fairly pleasing - but by that stage I had decided I didn't like them. Perhaps less of a split would have been a better result, either way, I was left really looking forward to Guy Garvey even more.

But that was then I discovered the problem with Elbow being a niche band. I hardly knew any of the songs. Grounds for Divorce was enthralling, and finishing with main set with an extended version of One Day like this (which is still my favourite track available at this precise moment in time) was nothing short of awe inspiring.

It was incontestable that Elbow are an exceptional live band. All of the songs were passionate, Guy Garvey engaged the audience to ensure that everyone had a good time. By performing the songs I didn't know, I loved them even more. Station Approach is one that really got the crowd going.

But, there was a problem. Most (if not all) of Elbow's songs are quite heavy. There's nothing with vigor, nothing with "get up and go". Whilst I still say that every single song was very impressive, 90 minutes of it (including encore) did end up being a bit too much. Short bursts are brilliant, such a long set I'm not too sure.

That said, it really did suit the venue. The Weather Gods were smiling, leaving us with a crisp, clear, cloudless night - with a beaming white moon shining over the venue. It proved that Delamere is an exceptional venue for gigs, and long may these concerts continue.

And there is one further important mention to make - the guest performance of Richard Hawley (two for the price of one) for The Fix - the track Hawley both co-wrote and appeared on the latest album with. An exceptional talent of his own, adding him to the performance sealed the deal.

The beauty of the youtube generation is that there's almost certainly to be at least one person who recorded part of the gig. So, as the parting video, and as it was only nominated as a TOTW, here's Grounds for Divorce:

Technorati Tags: Elbow, I am Kloot

Hey hey, you you

Avril Lavigne Live, O2 Arena, 4th June 2008

Well, pre-packaged candy pop punk rock doesn't come much more sugar coated than this.

Where the pink hoodie is king, Avril reigns.

Problem is - that's not a good thing.

A chameleon of guided music executives, Avril started attacking the townie market with her first album, moved along to the slightly more sombre pseudo-goths for Under My Skin - and now, taking on the most pop influence from Blink, fused with the musical eloquence of Lolly - we have The Best Damn Thing.

Dancers (very good ones, but nonetheless, dancers) take to the stage throughout the show.

The angsty material which doesn't fit in anymore, gets washed down into an acoustic set instead. Very little from album #2 gets an airing here.

Avril plays drums briefly to show she can for Runaway - which is reduced to a single verse and chorus. This wasn't the only track (I say embarrassingly knowingly huh?) to get shrunk down - with many verses being cut in order to save time. The only confusing thing is - what on earth for? As the tracks are blasted through, Girlfriend even getting a reprise for a 1 and a half song encore - the whole thing is over in an at best just over an hour.

Well, the most established bands seem to play for longer - so maybe when she's touring in 20 years (yeah right!) she'll be touring selections from all 15 albums and on for 3 hours with triple encores!

Avril Lavigne - Girlfriend Live at the Roxy

In Concert: The Zutons

Delamere Forest is one of the Forestry commissions venues for their "Forest Tour" of live music from the unique location of - well - a forest. Delamere's part of the tour is three nights in June, starting on Friday 13th June with The Zutons.

Noah and the Whale are supporting the Zutons throughout all their performances of the tour, and opened proceedings. They're a band I've heard on the past, but I can't really say much more than that. Shape of My Heart, as their most recent single, was one I certainly recognised and enjoyed. Unfortunately, that was a rare event.

I consider that one of the most important things in a gig is to start the set with a strong song, that will get the crowd bouncing along to and enjoying themselves. Unfortunately, it didn't happen - and it really took a while to get going. Most of their songs are drab and dreary; and fairly toneless.

Some tunes had an enjoyable tune - but the verses just didn't get there at all (Beating a good example of this).

I don't think it was a particularly bad performance. I just didn't enjoy the music at all. Which is a shame, because we agreed that some of their finer moments were with nice complex Arcade Fire-esque orchestration. It's just we were too dreary by that point to enjoy things.

Thea Gilmore was the "special guest" at the gig, and special she certainly was - by far the best act of the evening. It was impossible to be offended by anything she sang. Simple, acoustic chants. Her cover of You spin me right round was the track over the entire evening that I'll remember for a long time. She made it for the Liverpool number 1s album (to celebrate the Captial of Culture, as she explained from the stage - great for an artist to give a bit of background information instead of just the bog standard "this is a new one"), and made it so distinctly different to the original. She takes the tune and really does make it her own (cliché I know) - the duet at the chorus (I'm afraid I don't know who she was performing with on the night) simply sublime.

It was though, for obvious reasons, more than just one simple song. Old Soul is the well known one, and hearing it live I was just able to drift away. Overall, it was the showcase of a very talented songwriter with an beautiful voice. I was hardly aware of her before Friday night. Now, she comes with very strong recommendations.

So, onto the headline act then. And I'll tell you what about the Zutons - it's amazing how few tracks you actually know by them. Everyone was able to sing along to Valerie (but how much of that was thanks to Amy Winehouse?), and most people knew the latest single of Always Right Behind You.

But - and think about this carefully - how many other tracks by the Zutons can you remember? It's not that easy a task. A few became recognisable after a few bars - even thought you can't help but think if Confusion is going to be a cover of Sitting on the Dock of the Bay. On which point - Confusion was perhaps different to the rest of the set. It was nice and soothing, one to sway along to (as most of us did). The rest was very loud - leading me to wonder if the balance was quite right. OK, I'm sounding like an old man - and you obviously go to gigs to hear the music in its full glory. But, coming after Thea Gilmore, it really was blasting.

Despite that, it was a good set on the whole. The songs are all very catchy, and easy to join along with. The musical influences are distinct (have a listen to You will You won't), and ensures that the band doesn't just appeal to a small section of people - which no doubt helped build a big crowd. It was lacking in some respects, enough to not encourage me to go out and buy the latest album, but still a very enjoyable end to the evening and a pleasant Friday night.

To finish the post, here's one of the real sing along tracks of the set, from the 2004 album - Don't ever Think (Too Much)

Technorati Tags: The Zutons, Thea Gilmore, Noah and the Whale