- Live Reviews
Glaswegian singer Daniel Meade and his friends gave a right rollicking Americana start to the evening. The band landed onstage in an enviable array of hats that promised, and went on to deliver a magnificent start to the evening. The folksy foot stomping ‘What you Waiting For’ was a highlight with its references to Glasgow, and left the crowd suitably warmed.
Sturgill Simpson was up next. Originally from Kentucky, but currently a resident of Nashville, Sturgill has been hailed by Rolling Stone as the ‘Saviour of Country Music’ and compared by many to the late Waylon Jennings.
The rollercoaster of a set started slow and hurtled towards an epic ending taking in some frenzied finger picking and awesome slide guitar along the way.
The crowd were knowledgeable and quite clearly fans of Sturgill’s music, and he interacted with them like old friends. When requested to play ‘Hero’ he replied that we would hear pretty much everything apart from this track as it would result in tears in his beard, “instead of us crying we are going to make you cry”. Indeed some of his mournful ballads including a cover by Lefty Furzzels ‘I Never Go Around Mirrors’ and the superb ‘Water in the Well’ from his most recent album, left the audience captivated.
The band were incredibly tight and at some points the set turned into an all out jamming session with Estonian guitarist Laur Joamets and Sturgill taking it in turns to wow the crowd. There were also nods to Sturgill’s Bluegrass roots. Sturgill explained “we sat on our porches and drank a load of whisky and played music that gradually sped up and became bluegrass music”.
Sturgill’s music was new to me, but along with the rest of the audience, I was completely entranced throughout the gig by his effortlessly powerful voice and beautiful soaring melodies. I really don’t know whether Sturgill Simpson is the saviour of country music, but whatever he is preaching I am his latest convert. Highly recommended.
Katy
- Live Reviews
The Junction 2 in Cambridge seems to have cornered the market in interesting support band this past week. Last weekend it was the superb Seeds & Bones and this weekend it was Tom Adams. Unfortunately we missed the first band on, Gaze is Ghost.
Tom makes a whole host of sounds from his guitar as well as his pedals and effects and, a hand held flat board which seems to contain various buttons which change the sound textures as it is waved around. Tom also processes a falsetto voice up there in the range of Jonsi as well, so a very interesting set indeed.
Wooden Arms from Norwich have been getting a fair few mentions from us over the past week, mainly driven from one of our northern correspondents who has fallen under their spell. Tonight the band are on a strictly southern tour which climaxes at St Pancras Old Church in London on Friday (17th Oct).
The six piece band fill the stage as pretty much does their layered symphonic melodies. Their new album 'Tide' features heavily as does old and new songs. With 'Tide' just scraping in at the thirty minutes mark it's a shame the new songs played tonight were not included.
'Tide' was recorded by Wild Beasts and I Like Trains engineer David Pye and the sound of the band does carry the same widescreen song format of those other outfits. Piano, Vocals, Guitar, Trumpet, Guitar,Violin, Cello and drums will give you an idea as to the scope of the band.
The songwriter's of the band Alex Carson (piano) and Jeff Smith (trumpet, guitar), pretty much corner the banter between songs, the former seeming quite excited or nervous perhaps but, when playing their music it all goes to a different and almost celestial level. The songs may better suit a darker stage, with the hint of some swirling dry ice as the budget increases rather than, the bright white lighting they pretty much played their set under.
I would anticipate many more dates and another new LP perhaps from this band for next year. They have real talent for making inspiring music. How about a support slot on a British Sea Power tour?
Pete
Wooden Arms are:
Alex Carson - Piano / Vocals / Guitar
Jeff Smith - Vocals / Trumpet / Guitar
Milly Hirst - Vocals
Jess Diggins - Violin / Vocals
Fynn Titford-Mock - Cello / Vocals
Alex Mackenzie - Drums/Vocals
- Live Reviews
As a once promoter of my own band/club-night in New Cross, I am always a little dismayed and encouraged that the format still exists in some form or another. The Coronet is a great venue, the size of Koko but with the 'décor' of its predecessor 'The Camden Palais'. Infamous for years in Camden as a relic of late 90's rave culture that took a decade to grow up. The Coronet like the Palais could soon be at it's end, at the bar is a petition to save the grand venue which I duly signed before grabbing a beer before settling down to watch the bands.
First, Lois and The Love – The sparse crowd gathered with more intrigue in Lois's spandex jump suit that anything else. The sound reverberated heavily around the empty room. In fairness, she gave it her all but the few ears that were there remained unmoved. At their best I saw Blondie and Iggy mixed into one but less 'Raw Power' and more 'One Way or Another'.
Then, Movie – Angular guitars and dance rhythms, this three piece deserved a bigger crowd. I will always have affection for a band from South London and these guys don't disappoint with originality over novelty. The Goldsmith's alumni know how to put on a show.
Headliners, Escapists – Having listened on record to Escapists, they sound better in the flesh. They are a gang and it's refreshing to see an on stage chemistry that can effortlessly develop a rapport with a small crowd. They remind me of Florida rockers Merchandise, another band whose character live is rarely captured on record.
Finally, Maccabees DJ set – The old trick of using a band generalisation as branding when a few members need some cash for pressing play on iTunes. Those few who remained and too bored to dance took the opportunity to request a selfie, and the lead guitarist (the most recognizable Maccabee) was more than happy to oblige.
Thomas Cavanagh
- Live Reviews
After seeing the band at an early afternoon slot on the Woods stage at End of the Road festival in 2011, Dry The River released their eagerly awaited, magnificent debut album 'Shallow Bed' in early 2012. After what seems like forever, their second full length album 'Alarms in the Heart' was released this August so the band are on tour to support it.
Saturday night saw a busy, expectant crowd at the moderately sized Manchester Academy 2, awaiting their heroes after a couple of year's gap. They kicked off with Hidden Hand and Med School from the new album, and even though the audience has only had a couple of months to digest the new tunes, most lyrics are already memorised, and a mass sing-along begun.
First older song played was third song in, in the shape of New Ceremony, and now the party had really started. Probably in part to it being Saturday night and clearly everyone present was already a fan, the atmosphere was fantastic. It was also noted that the band attract a large female fan base, including this reviewer's wife, and an almost obsessive following.
This is a band that looks like Biffy Clyro, all long lanky hair and tattoos, but in Peter Liddle they have a be-fringed frontman with the voice of an angel. His almost falsetto tone really gives this band a sound like no other out there at the moment, and the musicianship of the rest of the band create the anthemic backdrop over which he soars.
New single Gethsemane, already sounding like it's going to be a firm live favourite, again had the crowd singing and dancing as the temperature inside the venue increased. The band seems genuinely appreciative of everyone's support, especially considering the gap where nothing was heard from them, and they thank us frequently for coming to see them.
The main set closed with Vessel, again another favourite from the new album, and finally No Rest from Shallow Bed……the crowd certainly does love them in the best way possible..
The encores began quietly, with an acoustic version of History Book, but we all knew (and hoped) what was coming, and that was Weights & Measures. It’s fair to say that I could barely hear the band as everyone was belting this out at the top of their voices….a real uplifting, emotional experience.
So with Goosebumps all over, sweat dripping off us, and virtually everyone grinning like buffoons, the show was over. The band came over to the merch stand for after show selfies and autographs, and we all left hoping it isn’t going to be another 2 years before we see them again.
Keith @kjsmith4082
- Live Reviews
Last night of the current European tour for James Taylor and his 'All Star' band (which includes, bassist and leader Jimmy Johnson, drummer Steve Gadd and guitarist Michael Landau) was at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Even though this beautiful hall hold a few thousand people, this seemd a very intimate gig from the off.
Surely one of the nicest people in music, James and the band played two career spanning sets with a few covers thrown in. His voice, his enthusiasm and it seems his heath are all on tip top for with the audience entranced all the way through.
The band are tremendous and as James introduces each member in turn throughout the first set, he shakes their hand or give them a hug, just saying thanks for being there.
Whilst all the 'hits' are on parade there are many many stories around all the songs that are played, even "One More Go Round" that they "play for the groove, but is lyrically weak", don't you believe it!
The two set are broken up with a twenty minute interval which sees James chatting with the crowd, posing for photos and signing autographs. The band comes back and the start the second set whilst on this is still going on. A true gent!
James is at one with his music and is a true legend with such a vast back catalogue and music history. His voice is as clear as ever and songs like Carolina on My Mind, Sweet Baby James and Fire and Rain are just as tingling in 2014 as they were when they were first recorded.
This was a truly magnificent show from a true troubadour.
Set 1
Something in the Way She Moves
Today, Today, Today
Lo and Behold
Wandering
Everyday
Country Road
Millworker
Carolina in My Mind
One More Go Round
Sweet Baby James
Shower the People
Set 2
Stretch of the Highway
You and I Again
Hour That the Morning Comes
Handy Man
Steamroller
Only One
Fire and Rain
Up on the Roof
Mexico
Your Smiling Face
Encore:
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)
You've Got a Friend
Wild Mountain Thyme
- Live Reviews
It's an autumnal Sunday evening in Cambridge and I think most of the would-be punters for tonight's gig have elected to stay around the fireside. Indeed, the last time I saw The Phantom Band it was also a dark and chilly evening but that time, on the island of Eigg back in July.
The Eigg gig was in a packed marquee which swayed to the force of the band's anthem driven rock as it swept over them. The band tonight where on equal form tonight but, the more intimate Portland Arms might have raised the intensity a bit.
The Phantom Band are really into their stride at the moment and blasted through a seventy five minute, album spanning set, to the delight of those assembled. All excellent musican's it was an electrifying set.
Another highlight was actually the band filling the support slot. Cambridge based Seeds and Bones who were absolutely entrancing. Electronics, guitar and a heavenly voice. Goldfrapp meets Portishead perhaps. Look out for this band!
So a first class evening that was well worth stepping out into the autumn night for.
Pete
- Live Reviews
Praising Private Ryan
It is time for a Ryan Adams review that neither questions nor reflects on whether the singer-songwriter is in a happy place or a sad place. It doesn't matter because has Ryan Adams ever sounded any better? probably not. Have his records ever been any better? probably but, it doesn't matter.
These were outstanding gigs in London. Longstanding admirers or even newcomers - remarkably, Adams was #6 in the 'album' charts at the time of these gigs - will have been wowed by the singer and his new band, The Shining.
These performances rate among the best I've seen of Ryan Adams, and that is up against some fantastic history. And the evenings were not without a sprinkle of stardust. As guest appearances go, this was among the more unusual.
Johnny Marr would have been good, but Johnny Depp? Opinions will be divided. His presence caused a right old stir in the cheap seats. From rattle-your-jewellery distance he looked more like a farmhand from Countryfile than Donnie Brasco.
Depp and Adams are jamming buddies and the Hollywood star can clearly play guitar too. He didn't seem at all phased. This good thing was that this starry distraction for the encore on both nights at Shepherds Bush did not detract whatsoever from the quality of the band's performance. And nobody called out for Joe Le Taxi.
Throughout the gigs, Ryan Adams stands mostly at the centre-left of stage, seemingly changing guitars for fun. Laughing, smiling and joking, he thanks his besotted audience, time and again.
He's been a witty stage presence in recent years, but even when he thinks his US humour hasn't fully connected, he has a sharp and self-deprecating banter: "They think I'm hilarious in the States! You guys are just too clever - I must've passed at least seven book shops on the way here."
A Stars and Stripes flag with a nuclear disarmament symbol is draped behind him on stage. The crowd is delirious and Adams points out that they may have been consuming alcohol. The crowd gets him; it's a very different setting to his brief Olympic Park appearance for the Invictus Games ceremony, where that same modified flag could easily have been misconstrued.
Recent solo acoustic tours have provided what many fans wanted most: a sort of intimacy with the singer. Alone on the stage, Ryan Adams' unplugged and heart-rending versions of his songs did allow us a little closer. Less can be more, and often it is with these songs.
But most of those songs were recorded with a band. This 2014 tour demonstrates that there is life (and electric) beyond the one man show. It's obvious that Adams gets a real kick out of playing with other musicians, bringing a deeper pulse to those (mostly) sad songs.
With the Cardinals, Ryan Adams produced some memorable shows. With the Shining, he's once again surrounded by outstanding musicianship, but also a bunch of players who seem to understand him and share his musical headspace.
The result is a kind of magic and it is most evident on some of the songs that were recorded with the Cardinals. In particular, 'Easy Plateau' and 'Peaceful Valley' are getting better with age. Previously country-soaked, these numbers have re-emerged as a new kind of Californian soundtrack.
The Shepherds Bush nights draw on songs from across his extensive catalogue. Some of which feels positively vintage. But then maybe it always did. The new eponymous album gets a lot of attention and mostly it stands up well alongside Adams' most loved material. It feels handmade for live performance.
Critics have name-checked Petty, Springsteen & Co in terms of influence for the new stuff, but to my ears they've often figured in his Americana pick 'n' mix. On stage, and especially in Adams' voice, those rich sources are certainly there but they're not at all plagiarised.
Like with 'Ashes and Fire' and other more recent records that may not have had the immediate 'Wow' factor, I suspect the new songs will find their own moments to invade our consciousness - and once again we won't understand why we ever thought they were anything less than brilliant.
Opening the second night in west London with the single 'Gimme Something Good', as he did the first night, he jokes that repeat visitors are in for the same songs all over again. But as usual, the set lists for each date were quite different. Adams is great value for those compelled to go to more than one gig per tour. Both nights included a mix of old and new, and some of the new songs proved exceptional.
- Live Reviews
Why Anathema are not yet selling out arenas around the country, or at least the Apollo's of this world, is a total mystery. An unsurprisingly sold out and sweaty Academy 3 was my first chance to catch the Liverpudlian band who are now on their 10th album and were touring on the back of new release Distant Satellites. I may have been the only member of the crowd without an Anathema t shirt on, so clearly they attract a devoted fan base.
After complicated Austrian prog rock band Mother's Cake had cleared the stage, on came the main act, all 6 of them, including 2 drummers no less, crammed into the tiny space, and immediately launched into The Lost Song Part 1 and 2, from Distant Satellites. The powerful, symphonic prog rock continued with Untouchable Parts 1&2 from Weather Systems and we were well and truly warmed up. Even the band was struggling with the heat, with Dan Cavanagh asking for the air conditioning to be turned on. Fat chance, there isn't any.
The rest of the first act, wonderfully, was more of the same, playing most tracks from the new album, and selected tracks from Weather Systems and We're Here Because We're Here. The interaction of Vincent Cavanagh's and Lee Douglas's vocals is even more fabulous and powerful live, and a real highlight of the night. Anathema's doom metal past seems well and truly buried.
Surprisingly, most of the on stage banter was from Dan Cavanagh, not brother and lead vocalist Vincent, and he really excelled when all stage sound was lost at one point, so he led the crowd in an acoustic version of Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here. That went down well with the prog centric audience. The synth vocalled Closer, closed the main set, one of only 2 songs performed from their pre 2010 catalogue.
The first 3 songs of the 5 played as encores were the last 3 off Distant Satellites, and a slight change of pace from the rest of the night. All twitchy programmed drum beats, and synth heavy, I'm not yet in love with these tracks, especially as Lee's vocals are also absent. Maybe they'll grow on me yet.
Finally, old track Fragile Dreams had us bouncing and sweating some more as they completed a more than satisfying set and everyone around me had a smile on their face.
Yes, it's a pity from a commercial perspective Anathema is not selling out arenas when they tour, but from a selfish viewpoint, I'm delighted to be able to get up close and personal and feel the real power and passion of this wonderful band.
Keith
@kjsmith4082
- Live Reviews
Before tonight, I thought I was a big fan of Throwing Muses, having seemingly played constantly The Real Ramona in the early 90's, and between us, Ali and I reckoned we had most of their albums. I'll explain that statement later. I was definitely a big fan of the lovely Tanya Donelly when she went on to form Belly, so was really looking forward to the gig, especially as it was on the doorstep in Holmfirth. They played here 3 years ago according to the merch guy but must have missed that night.
Tanya Donelly opened the evening as the support act, and was joined on stage by 2 guys playing electric guitar and cello respectively, while she played her Gibson SG. Not sure why didn't she have a drummer with her, or at least borrow the Muses one?
Didn't recognise the first few songs, but eventually she went into Belly songs Red, Dusted and Slow Dog, all of which were seemingly 3/4 versions of the originals but still has a hell of a set of lungs to belt them out. The closing track was the Muses song Not Too Soon which I was hoping the main act would be playing tonight, but I suppose as she was in Throwing Muses she was more than entitled. She invited 3 seemingly random audience members on stage to dance behind her for this final song which everyone enjoyed and that was her done.
Half an hour later, on came a bleached blonde stick thin figure which we eventually recognised as Kristin Hersh, joined by the rest of the Muses and they started with Sunray Venus, lead single from last album Purgatory/Paradise. The next couple of songs were also from the same album. For those who don't have it, it was released as a book with a 32 song cd, many of which are fragments of songs.
And that's where my recognition of songs ended, even when she was joined half way through the set by her half-sister Tanya Donelly. Does that mean she's in the Muses, or not ?
Where was Dizzy or Counting Backwards or Hate My Way ? In my opinion, they chose songs they wanted to play, rather than what the audience wanted.
Don't get me wrong, it was a perfectly good performance, and she still has the fantastic, raspy voice she's always had, and it barely seemed they have been away for so long, but for me it lacked a certain emotion and I don't think I was the only one in the audience feeling the same. The will they, won't they play another encore (they didn't) ended the night and we left, slightly underwhelmed and rueing their choice of setlist.
Keith & Ali
@kjsmith4082
- Live Reviews
So eight years following Sam Duckworth, aka Get Cape Wear Cape Fly had led us to Kentish Town Forum where the referee had drawn a shave-foam line beyond which GCWCF will never cross. Truly the end of a chapter - a chapter that started ten years ago when troubadour Sam, then struggling in non-league began his ascendancy to the Premiership. Tonight truly marked the 'Last Ever' GCWCF show but, this is not a question of Sam Duckworth going into retirement, quite the opposite; what Sam has in his sights is to defend this free-kick, hit on the counter-attack and, score a hatful of goals.
We know this is entirely possible evidencing the releases of the last 2-3 years under Sam Duckworth's own name, but tonight was more a backward glance to the GCWCF-era.
The evening's supporting bill allowed a glance to the future, a nod to the past and a massive statement of the here and now. First up was Sean McGowan with cheeky swagger and fulsome praise for how great a bloke Sam truly is. X-Certs were on next, taking us back to early GCWCF collaborations. Wonderful Idlewild-like lyrical prose with superbly-executed thumping guitar. Jehst took the stage by storm with his top-notch rapping. Reminded us what eclectic value we had within the ticket price. It's difficult to take your eyes of this man.
And so to GCWCF. Tonight's show was a culmination of a mini UK tour of classic venues. We were lucky enough to have witnessed the Southampton Joiners event, a highly sweaty affair, with Sam belting out his 'Chronicles of a Bohemian Teenager' album accompanied by beat box, just like the early days. Tonight’s affair boasted a full band line-up supporting Sam through his 16 song set, incorporating the whole of his 2006 album. In contrast to the excellent yet raw Joiners set the songs were delivered with pomp through the 4-strong brass section including fantastic lead-man 'Mikey' on cornet.
A Shy FX dj set followed the Get Cape show, a reminder, as if we needed it, that rock n roll can be (and should be) multi-dimensional.
Si
- Live Reviews
Dan Michaelson's voice is unique. So low that at times you can almost hear the individual wave forms of the notes. If he sang any lower it might just become inaudible to the human ear! His singing style however fits perfectly with the melancholy sentiment of the songs. Most songs centre on heartbreak from relationships and when Dan announced the next song "would be about heartbreak" someone called out “no sh*t!” to Dan and everyone’s great amusement.
He has a fine band in The Coastguards. A four piece guitars, bass, drums, with constant musical companion 'Horse' who played a steel pedal guitar to great effect adding a country widescreen feel to some of the songs. The band had an uplifting affect on the songs themselves which otherwise, might have been a bit too sombre for a Monday night.
Lost Map's Rozi Plain had the first turn on stage; she sung gentle songs accompanied with her guitar. The emphasis is on her fine vocals which were enhanced by the harmonies sung by Kate and Rachael who joined her for the set. Her new album is recorded and will be released next year. Rozi is also appearing with Rachael Dadd at St Pancras Old Church on 29th September.
The Slaughtered Lamb in Clerkenwell London is such a good venue. In the basement of the pub the space is small and intimate and was named after the pub in the cult film 'American Werewolf in London'. It has the bonus of some excellent real ale and after the gig we also discovered rare single malt from Islay called 'Kilchoman Machir Bay'; a perfect finish to a perfect gig.
In our recent interview, Dan told us told us “My records are in their own world and you have to go there. If you don’t like it, I’ll make sure you get home safely”. So you can rest easy at any at any Dan Michaelson gig.
Ken
- Live Reviews
Rather unexpectedly, a message appeared on the Blue Aeroplanes website at the beginning of the year that there was a possibility they would be travelling to Spain in the summer to headline a festival. Well, that became fact and so to make the trip worthwhile, this gig on Friday night was arranged to act as a warm up and further spread the Aeroplanes love to the Spanish capital.
Pre gig drinks with some of the band members and friends at an outside bar, in the high 20s Spanish heat was adding to the whole slightly surreal experience, however there was an element of concern that relatively few tickets had been sold.
We made the short journey down to Boîte for the 11pm start time, and though not the biggest of crowds, there were more there than expected, and it was great to meet with Spanish fans of the band for whom this was their first time seeing them.
So, onto the stage they came, with the impressive backdrop of the band name in neon lights and with enigmatic dancer Wojtek in tow, they kicked off with oldie, and first ever single Action Painting. They then launched into Broken and Mended, an often used opening track due to explosive opening riff and first line with Gerard asking "Hi, How are you, how's it going?"....We were all doing fine by now thank you very much.
Brand new as yet unreleased new tracks sat alongside established songs such as Jacket Hangs (never not played live), Huh! and Yr Own World. It's almost as if these new songs have come from sessions from old classic albums but have not yet seen the light of day. They are that good.
The finale for the evening is, as ever, Breaking In My Heart, a Tom Verlaine cover during which the band is often joined on stage by even more guitarists. They didn't need this tonight. The trio of Bec Jevons, Mike Youe and Gerard (Starkie) are the new vibrant heartbeat of this band, add to them longer termers John Langley on drums, Chris Sharp on bass and of course chief Aeroplane Gerard Langley on vocals, and you have a band you would swear were on the verge of a big label breakthrough, not one that has been going for 30 years. This might just be the best Aeroplanes line up Gerard has assembled.
Bring on the new album, bring on the new tour and bring it on as soon as possible please. Up in a down world? You better believe it.
Keith @kjsmith4082
