O2 Academy 2, Liverpool
Tonight is a rare opportunity for all Northern fans of the Welsh Power Pop outfit to not only see these guys on a headline show prior to the release of album #2 ?Dirt? but see them in a relatively ‘intimate’ setting. The crowd are quite young and the atmosphere is one of deep expectation for a band that have come a long way in the last 3 years.
It’s an early start as well and first band ‘My Emergency’ kick things off. Unfortunately I missed the start of their set this evening. This is a shame as from what I saw these guys have something about them. The crowd really warm to this local support and they’re having a great time being on stage. The vocals really come through well and there’s evidence here of a band who are benefiting from playing as many shows as possible, doing some of those ‘hard yards’. Everything fits very well together. Early indications are that My Emergency have a marketable sound which could easily mean bigger things are ahead for these scousers. (3/5)
Save Your Breath are next up and having never seen these guys before I’m interested to see how they go. I’d argue it’s a good opportunity for them to attract some new fans. The reason for this being that the crowd show signs of starting to match KIGH’s recent ‘commercial’ notoriety and I’m confident not all have heard of their South Wales counterparts. I’m disappointed however with SYB’s general performance. I feel this is a combination of a few things. Firstly the new singer recently acquired (just his 2nd gig), secondly them being the main support for a very hyped band and finally it being their first gig in Liverpool. The whole set lacks a little composure. Along with the points made above and the real energy the crowd of giving off the band appear to get a little carried away which is a shame. The result is SYB playing more as a bunch of individuals rather than as a ‘band’. (2/5)
KIGH’s set is obviously dominated from the ‘hits’ so loved from ‘Smart Casual’. ‘Lovely Bones’ and ‘Good Boys Gone Rad’ are noticeable early favourites and new songs ‘Sunshine‘ and ‘Matters It All’ go down very well. The crowd worship the ground these guys walk on this evening. I’m not sure I agree with Aled’s comment that this is a ‘rock show’ as there’s a very poppy vibe to everything tonight (think Hey Monday but better). At times though I’m sure the crowd would happily sing every word. This is especially prevalent in the ‘closer’ Saturday. KIGH are on decent form. They seem really up for it and are enjoying being back on the road. The short break appears to have done some good. The buzz of having a highly anticipated album to promote I’m sure helps. The set despite being a relatively short one (just over an hour) is a good sign off from the ‘Smart Casual’ era and the Liverpool crowd are left buzzing but at the same time wanting more. A full tour in May is due to follow, no doubt in much bigger venues. More singalongs expected. (4/5)
Jamie