There are numerous similarities between all four bands playing tonight - most obviously in their 'searching' sound which longs to project itself from a vast stadium stage. Intelligent rock with hooks - so to speak.. But aside from these similarities there are also very obvious performance differences.
It's a shame that openers think:Fire are playing their swansong shows prior to disbanding as they mix passionate rock, melodic riffs and urgent, driving rhythms with sufficient assurance and cockiness to avoid rock clichés and invoke genuine warmth from the crowd. think:Fire’s confidence only goes to highlight Fall Short! Conform!’s limitations though. Their uneasy mix of strong post-rock tunes with poorly executed vocals and little stage presence fails to ignite and regrettably it comes as a slight relief when singer Graham Mason leaves the stage during the final song and allows the music some breathing space.
Oxford's A Silent Film appear to be the most anticipated band in the lineup and with compelling lead singer Robert Stevenson (hints of Chris Martin not withstanding) and their piano led anthems they don’t disappoint. Great pop songs like "You Will Leave a Mark" and "Highest Regard" also bring to mind the keening melodies of Scandinavian pop maestros Mew and even Aha in their prime - particularly the interplay with Lewis Jones' chiming guitar. Drawing from imminent album 'The City That Sleeps' the songs are sumptuously crafted and thrillingly delivered. Even the danceable bewilderment of covering Underworld's "Born Slippy" fits without jarring, no mean feat!
In part tonight’s gig draws comparisons between the bands respective frontmen and Lights.Action singer Patrick Currier effortlessly kicks himself to the top of the pile with great charisma and powerful vocals. This isn't a one man show however as the band also preview their debut album. "Signals to Radar", "Moscow" and "Hide And Seek" demonstrate Light.Action's knack for building epic tunes alongside brittle melody whilst remaining Pop at heart.
www.mekongdelta.co.uk
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