I've been a fan of Feeder's since the beginning. Grant Nicholas is a very talented songwriter and this shines through in his latest offering 'Yorktown Heights', which was recorded at Nicholas's treehouse studio in North London.
I saw Nicholas tour the album last year and it was epic, tonight, and especially the tour, is here to celebrate the release of Nicholas's latest 6 track EP 'Black Clouds', which is due out in April 2015. (Gutted that it wasn't on sale tonight, but according to Nicholas that was Managements decision).
'Black Clouds' is the classic accompaniment to 'Yorktown Heights', like fish and chips or beans on toast, timeless classics that you never tire of, the honesty with Nicholas's writing is pure quality. Described by Nicholas himself as 'A love letter to the sound of Laurel Canyon in the 70's'. This explains the 70's feel of the EP and the songs in the live arena. The way all the songs flow, it's easy listening, something to get you in the right mind space.
This is the last date of the current tour and I was eagerly anticipating the set. Nicholas never disappoints so I was waiting with baited breath, bring it on I say. I just wonder whether Nicholas will continue in the same vein (solo) or Feeder will rise from the ashes again like the proverbial phoenix, with a new studio album, I guess only time will tell.
We were treated to a 100 mins of pure unadulterated class. No pit tonight, quite difficult to shoot Nicholas, but on the other hand a bonus for the fans as they got up close and personal to Nicholas. Song after song from both 'Yorktown Heights', and the current EP 'Black Clouds'.
Nicholas backed by the same band as when I saw him last year; they anticipated every action of the other member, it was so easy to listen and pay attention, Nicholas is so attentive as a performer and really does actually care whether you have a good time, Thanking the fans at every opportunity for being there tonight and actually for listening.
Stand out tracks for me were 'Joan of Arc', 'Hitori' and 'Vampires', very feeder-esque and I loved it. Made me think of when my wife and I first saw Feeder when we got together 7 years ago and we crammed into the sweaty Barfly in Birmingham to be totally blown away, and she stood there with her mouth open aghast at how good Feeder were.
'Soul Mates' makes me think of that special person, it really touches me every time I hear it, gives me goose pimples everywhere. I just love how Nicholas gets right inside your head and how compelling each song is.
It just shows what an artist is like when they can stand on the stage at the end of the set and shake everyone's hand in the first few rows and thank them for coming, what a down to earth guy, I really love him as he cares, it's such a breath of fresh air these days in the music business, instead of the massive egos you hear about.
Tonight was immense and I wouldn't have missed it for the world. It was very special evening for sure, I just hope I can catch Nicholas on the festival circuit this year.
FUTURE GIGS
sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.