The unison of Mumford and Son's music and harmonies blew me away as they tore through tracks like 'Little Lion Heart', 'White Blank Page', and 'The Cave and the Open Sea' (which you'll find on their latest EP of the same name). The rapturous applause and energy of the crowd made it evident that they've already built up a dedicated fan base. They loved the sound of the banjo played by Winston, the double bass of Dwane, the keyboards of Lovett and the soothing, yet gritty and unique, vocals of Mumford himself (who also plays the guitar and the kick drum all at the same time)!
As Mumford and Sons only formed in 2007 they've only released three EPs so far, but they've been incredibly busy in the studio recording their album, so grab it as soon as you comes out. They've been tipped as one of the BBC's Sounds of 2009, and as their headlining their own tour in September. I really suggest you go see them! They are absolutely amazing live and will blow you away - even if you don't like folk music!
The fans got slightly angry and impatient at having to wait for so long for The Maccabees (Orlando Weeks, Hugo and Felix White, Rupert Jarvis and Sam Boyle), but the huge boos and jeers were soon forgotten when this increasingly popular art-pop Indie band (from seaside Brighton) entered stage right. As the Maccabees-clones surged towards the group, squashing and jostling each other for position, the fourteen song set kicked off with 'No Kind Words', from their brand new album 'Wall of Words', which is bursting with get on the dance floor tunes.
As finger pointing and shouting every single vocal commenced in the crowd, it was evident we were in for an electrifying night. The set didn't disappoint either - it was a fantastic mix of tunes from their first album 'Colour It In' including 'Xray' where you could feel the beat beneath you as the sea of spectators danced and cheered. 'Precious Time' was also played, which the audience went absolutely wild to, and 'Toothpaste Kisses' (that they knew absolutely every single word to). Plus, there was a great variety of songs from their new, slightly darker and broodier album, 'Wall of Words'. Obvious crowd favourites from this album are definitely 'Can You Give It', 'William Powers', and 'Young Lions'. Oh, and let's not forget the encore which saw every single person in the room chanting and strutting their stuff to 'Mary' and their latest single 'Love You Better'!
What I really liked about The Maccabees is the fact that they are much more dynamic and gritty live; their music, guitars and vocals literally spring into life on stage! Also, they are obviously incredibly grateful to the fans for getting The Maccabees to where they are today. At various points throughout the gig, frontman and lead vocalist Orlando could be heard saying things like "good on ya for coming to see us play", and "we're on album number two now so we should be taller, but we're not, so sorry to everyone at the back!"
'Wall of Arms' probably has a more universal appeal than the previous album, so you should expect great things of The Maccabees this year. 'Love You Better' is already receiving lots of airplay on Radio 1, so watch this space!
article by: Tricia Williams
photos by: Michelle Owen
published: 13/05/2009 12:39
FUTURE GIGS
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