Tag Archives: live music

Cold Cave. Electrowerkz. 08/08/2013.

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Photo taken by me

Photo taken by me

 

 

Having the person who’s music dragged you through hell and back and back some more, to have them sing the words that went right into your heart and made everything wrong alright again is something that is truly overwhelming. It leaves you with a smile carved onto your stained heart.

After waiting close to 5 years to see Cold Cave, tonight I finally did. Right at the front leaning on a speaker in a venue that instantly became the best place I had ever seen a band or singer.

The way in which Wes thrashes the mic stand about in a fit of fury and undeniable passion, it immediately becomes infectious. I didn’t sing to the songs, instead my body became the most free it has been in a long time. I felt it was just me and the band. Maybe tonight was all in my head. It’s going to be in my heart for the rest of my life.

Hearing songs like Hello Rats (my most personal favorite) live changes everything. It adds something to your life that not much else can. Maybe this is because I love music in such a deep and passionate way. It says the things that I simply cannot say.

What I’ve loved about Cold Cave for so long is Wesley’s way with words. From American Nightmare to Cold Cave, his words have always been a safety net for me. And for someone who isn’t a fan of the skin they are in, tonight I didn’t feel so ugly.

I’m writing this on the tube home trying to take in everything I witnessed and felt tonight. The love Wes and Amy have for each other is so beautiful to see. As he aggressively thrashes the mic stand, he becomes so calm stood next to her. We all have that one person who does that to us, and when you have it-it is for the rest of your life.

The dark stage, the dingy room; the whole atmosphere was romantic and ethereal. I closed my eyes and moved my body. I closed my eyes and I felt okay in my body.

Wes frequently walked to the edge of the stage, a drop of his sweat fell on my head. My girlfriend has told me to shower when I get home.

Tonight changed and stirred something inside. I’m aware this isn’t a typical review of a show, but typical is something we must shy away from. It was clear that Amy and Wes were humbled by the show. It was a beautiful evening.

The projector behind them said “There is hope.” Words can mean more than actions, Cold Cave proved that tonight

Lightspeed Champion. Birmingham Academy 2. 1/5/08

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DevLightspeed ChampionOperator Please

Firsty, I was probably one of the eldest there- not sure if that’s a good or bad thing.

Secondly, I think everyone there pulled their clothes out of the same wardrobe.

Let’s proceed with the review, shall we?

The first support band on were Ox.Eagle.Lion.Man. They reminded me a little bit of Editors, yes I know- that means they aren’t that good, but ya know..it’s better than saying they were like James Blunt or something. Their music gave off a Shakespeare kind of vibe, rather haunting too. I wasn’t blown away- just quite amused.

Second band up were a wonderful Australian band called Operator Please who played a handful of songs from their album Yes Yes Vindictive. The album is amazing, and to hear it live (again!) is one heck of an experience. They are are aged between 17-19 but play like complete professionals. There are absolutley no faults in their performance at all. It was truely wonderful. They played with their new keyboardist, no idea what his name is. He looked a bit bored, but maybe he was nervous. Sarah used to bounce around and play the keyboard. The new guy just sort of stood there with his head down. Operator Please even treated us to a cover of Devo’s Whip It, and what a treat it was. I saw Operator Please in October last year and hardly anyone danced let alone sang along- but luckily, it was different last night. People were moving and singing. A band worth taking note of.

And finally, the main event. Lightspeed Champion. Dev Hynes walks on stage saying “Hey guys” down the mic and picks up his guitar. Every song from Falling Off The Lavender Bridge is played along with 2 new songs. The prostitute song, which is now called Madam Van Damn included- this version no longer sounds like a demo. It is awesome. The other new song is described by Dev as being “funky” it’s more than that though. His killer guitar solo mid song is perfect. In fact, the whole set is perfect. First saw Dev play in February and Dry Lips was played acoustic but tonight- full band and electric guitar. As this is my favourite song off the album- this version just blew me away. I was in awe of everyone on stage- not just Dev. The Star Wars theme was crazy too. Playing that before Midnight Surprise was wicked. Mid set, Dev took his jacket off to reveal a fetching shirt- blue polo shirt with yachts on. He bought it earlier in the day- only Dev could make this shirt look cool, and yes- the hat was on too!

You cannot find any fault in Lightspeed Champion’s performance, going from strength to strength. Dev’s live shows are something you really do need to see for yourself. He’s got a really really good stage presence too, after every song there was a bit of banter, saying “thanks everyone” at the end of every song was really cute. A little diss to The Wombats was amusing too, he wasn’t dissing them, he was just being silly, or something 🙂

 My words do not do it justice. I took some photos but they didn’t come out that well because we were stood on a box at the back of the venue eating Wham Bars (they’re still 10p! In your face Space Raiders!)