British Sea Power- Review OCT 08

BRITISH SEA POWER

CAMBRIDGE JUNCTION

5TH OCTOBER 2008

WITH FILM SCHOOL AND SILVERY 

Following two interesting support acts it was clear from the start that a high standard had been set for British Sea Power, were they going to live up to the expectations of the audience after Film School’s unique performance?

British Sea Powers arrival was cleverly built up and audiences were distracted by a short, informing and frankly odd film about seahorses. On their eventual entrance the room full of eager fans showed utter appreciation for the band as they erupted into applause.

 The set started off in their usual chilled out and relaxed fashion that seemed to create a whole new atmosphere in the room. It wasn’t until the second or third song that things really began to liven up which was a shame because by this time all the photographers had reached their three song limit, so there was nobody there to really capture the sensationalism of the second half of the set.

The band displayed a clear ability to tap into peoples emotions. One minute you were bouncing up and down to the music with a group of three or four other people, and the next you found yourself swaying in complete unison with the other few hundred people in the room.  

On the technical side of things I didn’t spot any major hiccups. I personally thought that the vocals (including harmonies) and the melodies worked well with each other, the lyrics really added to the mood and the atmosphere of their set and I was impressed to say the least.

I must say though that I could certainly hear the joy division in them. I wouldn’t personally say that it was a bad thing though but I guess that’s definitely about personal opinion. When you hear them play it just seems to remind you of something and you find yourself rattling your brain for what seems like an age until you realise who they remind you of. In my case it was joy division, but by all means, decide for yourself.

 You could tell that the band were confident on stage but you’d expect them to. Since they’ve been signed to Roughtrade Records (Babyshambles, 1990’s, The Libertines & The Strokes) they’ve had the opportunity to support and tour with the likes of The Killers and Interpol. On top of this they have played a number of festivals including Reading festival back in 2002.

The end of the gig was just as breathtaking as the start. The songs livened up and the strobe lighting was turned up, this cued the entrance of a rather large bear that seemed to cause a bit of havoc on stage clambering over equipment and bear-hugging the band members while they played. This all added to the fun of the evening really, mind you it was fun-filled without the 9ft bear!

My three favourite songs of the evening were “Waving Flags”, “Canvey Island” and “No Lucifer”. They’d always been personal favourites of mine off of the album “Do You Like Rock Music?”, but they sound so much better when they’re being played by the band themselves who are stood a good 2ft away from you.

 I was genuinely surprised by the variety of people in the audience. Having never been to a British Sea Power gig before I didn’t really know what type of people would turn up, on the way to the gig I did find myself worrying that I was going to stick out like a sore thumb. If you stood at the front by the barrier and looked back you could see the faces of fans aged from 16 to 60. I never thought that I’d see so many of the young and old actually enjoying each others company! It was quite surreal really because you don’t see it anymore, well not in public at least.

So overall, I think that the band definitely deserved the praise that they received after finishing their set because it was completely mind-blowing. It’s a shame they haven’t made a bigger impression on the British music scene but I do think that following the completion of their tour they will have a few bigger things heading their way!

Also, some advice (for those of you who don‘t quite know what to make of them anyway). If you’re unsure about this band, or you’re not quite convinced by them then please DO attend a gig before you make up your mind about them! If you don’t like them from the offset then fair enough, but I can assure you they sound so much better live! If you’re not impressed by their ‘melodic professionalism’, as I'd say, then fair enough. But don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!

www.britishseapower.co.uk

www.myspace.com/britishseapower

Photo By SiZe Photography

Words By Carleanne Gwen O'Donoghue