The XX, Brighton Centre Thursday 20th December

After upgrading venue sizes, tonight’s performance from The XX questions the potential of such a minimal sound in a 5000 capacity venue. Many of the audience openly speculate whether a band that became popular through their intimate roots will be able to adapt. Compared to Brighton Dome, the large corporate arrangement of the venue tonight lacks character and hospitality. On entrance it screams bleak conference centre. The tedious amounts of queuing and youthful audience almost confirm any thoughts that The Dome would have been a more appropriate setting.

Poor sound from support Mmoths and The Kindness suggest the headlining band may be in for a challenge. The dulcet tones of minimal collective Mmoths set the mood for the crowd but struggle to gain any momentum. The Kindness then take to the stage in an overly extrovert manner. Eccentric dancers and 60’s soul reaps through, leaving audience members feeling confused as to how they’ve ended up on tonight’s bill. The only element, which so far captivates are the accompanying retro visuals displayed on a futuristic backdrop.

Then emerging from behind a compelling projection of oil and metal, the military statures of The XX begin to loom on stage.  Three of the most enigmatic characters in pop music greet their audience nervously before ploughing straight into chart topping single ‘Angels’. The band have played a number of intimate venues in this influential seaside town “You’re like our second home to us Brighton”, singer Oliver Sims laughs. Within a few songs the venue is forgotten and you are transported into an evocative ambience.

The dark silhouettes imitate Romy, Oliver and Jamie as they ease their way through a set of hypnotic melodies from both their debut album The XX and latest release Co-exist, including cult classics ‘Crystallise’ and ‘Basic Space’. After ‘Nightime’, the venue encounters its first hint of movement, intense reverb shakes the balcony erratically but the crowd remain still.  Jamie Smith, manages to pick up the pace on ‘Reunion’ and ‘Islands’ with more sub rhythms and a glimmer of Dub. Older songs from their debut album are often reworked and remolded throughout the night providing interesting changes from their two years of live crafting. Half way through the show, it appears each member is becoming less reserved and we start to witness the characters behind the music.

Throughout the performance, continuous strobes and abstract projections are interspersed between songs to heighten the occasion. The fixating atmosphere, lo-fi instrumentation and lingering vocals are then interrupted by the band’s own take on Wham’s Last Christmas which fails to translate. Perhaps this is their suggestion against the serious personas they choose to adopt. The night’s aura is then regained with an increase of BPM for a stunning encore ending with the haunting emotion of ‘Stars’. Questioning of the venue is no longer necessary, as the audience stand mesmerised. A giant glowing X rises behind them, as the band walk off stage having achieved a musically flawless performance of melancholy noise and arena welcoming precision.

The Robbie Boyd Band : 'Spring Generation' Launch Party At The Camden Barfly 23/10/12

Entering The Camden Barfly, I was instantly aware that The Robbie Boyd Band’s EP Launch was going to be something a little different. With the stage decorated with fairy lights, candles and balloons aplenty and the offering of cupcakes and novelty wrist bands, there was an undoubtedly immediate fondness towards tonight’s performance. 

Accompanied by his eight-piece ensemble the London based Robbie Boyd bounds onstage to the rapturous sound of adoring applause. Joining him onstage are his band members fully equipped with violins, saxophones, maracas and bongos. Tonight’s sold-out show for the Launch of new EP ‘Spring Generation’ sees an eclectic mix of fan’s young and old ready to dosey doe the night away.  Dressed accordingly, the band encompass a traditional folk style set up consisting of plenty of velvet, waistcoats and a trademark ukulele.

Opening track and single ‘I Won’t Let You Go’ is a folky sing along hit which sets the tone for tonight’s audience as a feel good folk pop party. Robbie’s charming distinctive vocals immediately shine but fail to surpass the fantastic musicianship which accompanies him. The audience are then treated to ‘Spring Generation’, which with the introduction of upbeat bongo beats make the crowd automatically move their feet as if they’ve come across a Mumford& Sons/ Friendly Fires super group.  ‘Oh Alaska’s’ combination of funky bass riffs and creative composition as well as ‘The Orions Belt’ heart-warming lyrics then see the audience absorbed in nostalgic euphoria.

Robbie then introduces a new song which he claims he wrote two weeks ago called ‘I Want You to Stay’, a heartfelt anecdote which is then followed by ‘When I Believe’ from the new EP. Both songs require call and response which the audience are more than happy to contribute to.

 First single off the new EP, ‘When I Believe’ is a more than apparent audience pleaser. The catchy chorus and pop hooks shine enough to make this track a potential radio hit. The ukulele then makes its comeback onstage for ‘A London Reminition’, a zealous tribute to the city.

New songs ‘Colour’s In Your Eyes’ and ‘The Lean’ loose some of the instrumentation and embrace the bands favourite way of engaging the audience, good old call and response, before taking a wistful trip back their busking days and playing the aspirational ‘Take Me Back To Dreamland’.

Ending the main set with ‘Red Queen’ the band declare their appreciation for their first ever sold-out London show. As each member showcase their talent to the audience with an illuminating solo during this epic set finisher, it is clear that each are equally overwhelmed by tonight’s response. 

Before an inevitable and much anticipated encore, Robbie Boyd embraces the stage alone to play a stripped down version of a song he states ‘Hasn’t been played live in years’’ called ‘Never Never Land’ The haunting vocals and spine tingling acoustic melody have the audience in complete awe until he is then joined onstage for what is to be an impressive reprise with last song of the night ‘I Want Something Different’.

 Another motivating sing along of upbeat folk melodies and gloriously shambolic instrumentation rounds up tonight’s party resulting in a room of simultaneous knee jerking and head bobbing. This impressive live show and showcase of lyrical, musical and vocal talents combined with The Robbie Boyd band’s perfect blend of nostalgic, contagious folk-pop live will unavoidably leave you desiring more. 

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Little Comets- Life Is Elsewhere Album Review

Little Comets prove life really is elsewhere as they move on from their conventional indie beginnings into a land of diverse influences. Unorthodox afro-beat structures accompanied by catchy choruses give the band a new direction which could expose them to a world of radio recognition. Optimistic melodies disguise the sombre lyrics on songs such as Violence Tonight and Bayonne whereas Jennifer and Little Opus mirror more of the upbeat intricate guitar loops. Robert Cole’s idiosyncratic vocals seem to find a more comfortable setting against an energetic backdrop of instrumental execution. A mature progression full of exhilarating charisma and charm, Little Comets are finally soaring.

King Krule- Rock Bottom Single Review

King Krule gives Mike Skinner a run for his money with this haunting portion of poetic self-loathing. Reminiscent of Joe Strummer’s prettier moments, Archie Marshall’s violent lyrics are accompanied by raw melodic guitars and rush of adrenaline inducing drums and base beats. Full of beauty and angst, Rock Bottom lures you into a sense of optimism and melancholy all in the space of 4 minutes.

Everything Everything- Cough Cough Single Review

‘Yeah, so, umm… wait a second’ chant Everything Everything as they introduce their new flawless indie dance floor filler ’Cough Cough’.  With frantic keyboards, peddled bass riff’s and pulsating drum beats to make any stiff limbed pindie jerk their hips, THIS is the long awaited return of one of UK’s most unique acts.