LIVE REVIEW: HERE WE GO MAGIC AT KOROVA -- THE WRITERS CUT.

It started quietly, with a comment that changed the whole mood of the show instantly for the better.

“Can we get the lights turned down please? This music is meant to be heard in the dark…”

This simple beginning was followed by one of the most accomplished shows I’ve seen in a while, with all five members of the band playing a vital part of the sound. Despite the relative brevity of the set, all the members of the band had their own little moment, be it instrumental, visual or conversational. Interestingly, there was very little actual conversation with the audience save for the odd one liner between songs and the admittedly over excited drummer, (name), and his constant questioning of the audience about the nightlife in Liverpool. (Best line of the night was his “Hey guys, we’re going out after the show, anywhere good?” and the audience just showed him their beers!)

Although this was their first time in Liverpool, in front of the usual loud crowd of the Liverpool scene, the very first chord from Luke’s guitar silenced the crowd and started the show with a flare not unnoticed by everyone there who were watching every note, every second the whole show long. And, what a show it was, showcasing the definite indie leanings of the band and also the big sound they bring with them. The double guitar sound had an even bigger effect in the more, as was noted by the band themselves, intimate conditions of the stage. Although, (as observed before in a previous review from this venue), the acoustics at Korova can be incredibly bad on occasion, which does mar an otherwise expertly done show, which probably lead to the singer himself looking a little perplexed on occasion and requesting a sound adjustment more than once during the gig.

But, that aside, it was a good show with thrills a plenty. There is indeed plenty to recommend the sceptic, most notably the manic variety in the songs which range from quieter acoustic numbers to loud rock riffs to ambient instrumental type intros that thrill more under whelm with this band. The band also looked totally committed to the music they were playing, which is relatively rare to see these days. Even watching them set up their instruments, it showed more than any band I’ve ever seen just how much they were feeling the music. And if they were feeling it, the crowd were definitely following their vibe. Nods and smiles abounded, and even the unintentionally annoying couple in front of me, drunk on whatever it was they were drinking, got forgiven their sins of blocking the view somewhat.

Needless to say, fans were made with songs as great as Tunnelvision or I Just Want To See You sending people to the merchandise table soon after the show had finished. In short a band to see live before you die.

Mnsr Seba