I’ve never reviewed a gig through light before – but here goes. Supporting tonight, EagleOwl are lit by an insipid blue. Reflecting these drab surroundings their music is cold and soulless. This is the sort of earnest band that I end up irrationally hating. Every song is a dirge, always one chord sequence and never going anywhere. The sound they produce is an interesting one, what with there being a double bass and a violin on the go, but the overall effect is morbid and uninteresting. Add that to a total lack of presence or likeability on stage and the audience appears glad to see the back of them.
When the lights come up on Broken Records they are bathed in a glorious red. Perhaps this was all an intelligent rouse to play with my emotions but suddenly the mood changes. Everything about Broken Records embodies warmth. The guys onstage play with an obvious love for the songs and singer Jamie Sutherland seems genuinely excited to be here; proudly regaling us with the tale of meeting Huey from the Fun Loving Criminals for example.
I’ve come to the band criminally late but tonight’s set justifies all the critical acclaim they’ve been lauded with. Proceedings move from fast paced, guitar heavy numbers, through gypsy infused rambunctiousness and into quieter, introspective moments with consummate ease. The focus is on the new record and a raft of new songs are enthusiastically received. I Used to Dream is a slow burner that is beguiling in its simplicity. Two drummers playing both the skins and the rim simultaneously are accompanied by simple piano notes and measured violin. It’s a beautiful effect and one that works well onstage.
Instruments are pretty interchangeable between band members and If The News Makes You Sad, Don’t Watch It leads a run of older songs that get toes tapping and hips swaying. Amidst all the instrument swapping Wolves particularly stands out. A huge piano intro leads into a near military drumbeat and vocals that soar to the very top of the domed arches. The new songs are the more memorable tonight and feel like a real step up from the first album. That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with Until the Earth Begins to Part whatsoever; rather it’s a mark of just how strong the new record really is.
We end on Slow Parade which feels a bit like the last dance at a High School prom, one to sway to under the twinkling lights of a glitter ball. The passion onstage is infectious and as the red lights fade to black the venue calls in vain for a second encore. It’s fantastic when a band can bring a little light into your life – just as long as its red and not blue of course...
Picture: Ingrid Mur
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