This week, I’ve been to three gigs that are worthy of mention, and rather than bombard you with three separate posts (how would you have coped?!), I thought I’d give you a run down of the amazing music I’ve been flitting between this week…
Monday was The Xcerts in support of Idlewild at Norwich’s Waterfront. Picture more than decent Scottish rock with a blast of meaning behind it; that’s a summary of Xcerts. They were absolutely marvellous lads; punchy and rock-filled tunes with lots of character and angst involved. The boys had a brilliant stage presence and a fantastic dialogue going with the audience, which always makes a gig that much better. It’s always a fear that support act for a band as established as Idlewild might not be up to scratch, but The Xcerts had everyone – old and young – on their feet and having a good time. The Observer and Steve Lamacq have said complimentary things about this band, and they’re certainly refreshing to watch and listen to. We’ll be keeping our eye on them here at TBW HQ.
Tuesday night was Bellowhead, and I smile just thinking about this one. The ridiculously handsome and charmingly charismatic Jon Boden (remember our interview with him here? Lovely chap) conducted a jaw-dropping folk orchestra of an impressive eleven members, and this was more than just music; this was the ultimate twee performance. From astounding multi-instrumental goodness to apt folk-inspired dancing, Bellowhead have all stations covered. Having seen Jon Boden solo and with fellow band member in duo Spiers & Boden, it was grand to see Bellowhead for the first time and be pleasantly surprised that the live music was vastly better than Boden’s other two projects – and they impressed me hugely, so imagine how bloody fantastic this was.
My working week concluded with the astounding, amazing, fucking excellent Mr. Frank Turner. You have no idea how brilliant this man is. I caught a quick interview with him before the show, which will be posted next week, and he’s one of the most talented, insightful and genuine musicians I’ve ever encountered. I last saw him at The Junction in Cambridge back in January, and the full but not sold out show back then had a vastly different feel to this one. Frank is certainly on the rise, and rightly, and he is by far one of the most outstanding performers on the music circuit today. Highlights included ‘Photosynthesis’ and debut single ‘The Road’ off of Frank latest album. Another fantastic and personal part of this gig was when Frank declared: “I saw on a forum that someone coming to the show tonight thought there was no fucking way we were gonna play this song, so I thought we’d prove him wrong”, and then subsequently broke into a foot-stomping rendition of ‘Nashville Tennesse’.
The last thing I’ll mention before leaving you all to your Saturday is that news and announcements have just come in about the Camden Crawl. This amazing two-day festival will be taking place over May bank holiday weekend next year and is renowned for showcasing the best upcoming and established talent that Britain has to offer. Discounted early tickets are on sale now, and we highly recommend you go and grab yours now. We’ll certainly be there.
