James Arden checks out the garage rockers latest album.
The Christian rock band from Brighton bring religion to the masses.
Recipe for modern R'n'B album: liberal helpings of guest rappers and an overdose of sexual euphemisms.
First out was Jamie Harrison. At first he seemed slightly awkward on stage but this promptly passed. His confidence grew and his immense ability on acoustic guitar became obvious. He not only picked with expert precision, but used the body of the guitar as a percussive tool. To the hammering and picking of the guitar, Jamie also added his deep and gravelly voice which was emotive and powerful. Jamie certainly put on a performance that a full band would have been proud of.
He was followed by Man is Slapped who again was a solo act working on an array of instruments. Not acoustic this time but experimental electro pop. As well as keyboard and guitar, he used a laptop to really electrify his sound. It was assertively performed and an interesting experiment to witness.
The excitement of the packed room when Thomas Truax came on was palpable for two main reasons: he is that good, and his instruments were on stage for the two support acts enticing you. The more you looked at them the more desperate you were to find out exactly what they do and how they sound. Thomas Truax has a charisma on stage that it impossible to reproduce and yet his set is so personal. Every song exudes his enthusiasm and passion for his art and his live performance is more than a gig but a spectacle.
His main instruments on the night included the Hornicator, which he used in his first superb song called The Cannibals have taken our Nicole Kidman. Then there was Mother Superior: the bigger, upgraded version of Sister Spinster. An automated drum machine, Mother Superior provided the beat for many of his songs and it is impossible to not be entranced by its motions and clever design.
His music is uplifting and hypnotic, and he mixes that with darker and evocative lyrics resulting in an experience for the audience to savour. His storytelling is superb, sometimes reminding you of a sinister fairytale, like in The Butterfly & the Entomologist which tells the tragic story of a butterfly trying to teach man of their destructive nature, (it also allowed the Backbeater to be used to great effect).
Every song exudes his enthusiasm and passion for his art and his live performance is more than a gig but a spectacle.
Why Dogs Howl at the Moon, Shooting Stars and Full Moon Over Wowtown were crowd favourites. Some involved crowd participation but his whole set felt like you were part of the music anyway: he played songs to fit the atmosphere of the room and thrived of the audience’s reaction. In fact during Full Moon Over Wowtown he walked through the crowd and venue (going through fire escapes, emerging from nowhere behind you).
All in all, it was a memorable night that most left feeling happier and inspired. Creative instruments, poignant storytelling, captivating melodies and an exhilarating experience. Hopefully Thomas Truax will return soon.
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