19th Feb 2010
Reviewed by Izaac Carlisle
First things first! I would like to use this platform to formally protest at Google Maps for putting the O2 Academy in the wrong place! Thanks to your incompetence I nearly missed the gig, spent an hour walking around the city and only getting to the academy by pure luck and some good navigating by local Brummies.
Anyway, back to the music. I arrive just as the support act Butterfly Explosion enter the fray using the same formulae that have helped so many bands gained mainstream stardom, the inclusion of the ‘single hot woman’ (although look what it did to the Zutons). Saying that though, they were really good. They formed beautiful melodies, adding vocals where required, and are worth a listen for fans of Sigur Ros.
God is an Astronaut are a beautiful band. I would like to put that on record, and through headphones their music at times can be awe-inspiring. However, I couldn’t help but be a little disappointed with them live. Yes, I will admit, at times they were great, but others I found them somewhat lazy (although that’s not the right word). So let me try and explain:
They are a three-piece instrumental ‘post rock’ band from Ireland, with two on guitar and one on drums but their music uses a great amount of other instruments to compliment their sound. Listening on CD you feel that these are genuine, however live they are pressing buttons on their keyboards like one of those ones you find at school; this doesn’t add to the atmosphere and the feel of the performance seeing somebody pressing these buttons that have been conveniently being placed in order.
Therefore, the performance felt recorded, almost like there was a CD being played. Saying that, I don’t want to suggest that it wasn’t a good performance generally, just not in the league of other bands in the genre live.
Overall, I found the conundrum where their music was brilliant but their live show was disappointing. My top tip for seeing this band, just bring eye patches!
Wednesday, 24 February 2010
Tuesday, 23 February 2010
Imogen Heap @ The Sage
15.2.2010
Reviewed by Paddy Gilhooley
An unexpected evening was in store for the 40 or so members of Imogen Heap’s previously sold out crowd who had remained in the Sage Gateshead’s Hall 2. Heap had made the announcement that she had been struck down by the dreaded lurgy ten minutes after the show was supposed to start - Most people left; taking a refund instead of the chance to see something special.
There was an air of uncertainty as opening act Back Ted ‘n’ Ted took to the stage but after a few songs we were starting to feel sorry for those who had left. Ryan AKA Back Ted ‘n’ Ted used an array of effects to form an incredible sonic wall which he danced and sang in front of (when he wasn’t invading the crowd!).
Next up was Tim Exile, wearing a jumper reminiscent of something Dave Benson Philips of Playdays fame might have worn. Another one man assault with an arsenal of homemade gadgets, Tim ran through a largely improvised set wielding a joystick which he used to manipulate his sounds. The barrier between crowd and the performers was well and truly down tonight as Tim called for a helper from the crowd to play some guitar which he then twisted into another wholly improvised piece.
Imogen Heap arrived, pyjama clad and wielding her blanket professing her apologies for her illness but insisting we would have an interesting evening. She started by playing some improvised instrumental piano pieces before taking questions from the crowd, including her father! This led to some interesting insights into her background in music and the writing/recording of her songs. Although Heap was noticeably suffering, she soldiered on through the night, unlike many other artists would have, and although she only sung few songs, the ones she managed sounded completely different to the album versions due to her strained voice which added an eerie sense of beauty.
All in all, an unexpected outcome to the night, but we all left the Sage with the feeling that we had witnessed an entirely unique gig which will never be repeated again. I’d leave you with a suggestion; if you are going to a gig where the band aren’t quite on form and are offered the choice of a refund, or staying around to see what might happen, take a chance.
Reviewed by Paddy Gilhooley
An unexpected evening was in store for the 40 or so members of Imogen Heap’s previously sold out crowd who had remained in the Sage Gateshead’s Hall 2. Heap had made the announcement that she had been struck down by the dreaded lurgy ten minutes after the show was supposed to start - Most people left; taking a refund instead of the chance to see something special.
There was an air of uncertainty as opening act Back Ted ‘n’ Ted took to the stage but after a few songs we were starting to feel sorry for those who had left. Ryan AKA Back Ted ‘n’ Ted used an array of effects to form an incredible sonic wall which he danced and sang in front of (when he wasn’t invading the crowd!).
Next up was Tim Exile, wearing a jumper reminiscent of something Dave Benson Philips of Playdays fame might have worn. Another one man assault with an arsenal of homemade gadgets, Tim ran through a largely improvised set wielding a joystick which he used to manipulate his sounds. The barrier between crowd and the performers was well and truly down tonight as Tim called for a helper from the crowd to play some guitar which he then twisted into another wholly improvised piece.
Imogen Heap arrived, pyjama clad and wielding her blanket professing her apologies for her illness but insisting we would have an interesting evening. She started by playing some improvised instrumental piano pieces before taking questions from the crowd, including her father! This led to some interesting insights into her background in music and the writing/recording of her songs. Although Heap was noticeably suffering, she soldiered on through the night, unlike many other artists would have, and although she only sung few songs, the ones she managed sounded completely different to the album versions due to her strained voice which added an eerie sense of beauty.
All in all, an unexpected outcome to the night, but we all left the Sage with the feeling that we had witnessed an entirely unique gig which will never be repeated again. I’d leave you with a suggestion; if you are going to a gig where the band aren’t quite on form and are offered the choice of a refund, or staying around to see what might happen, take a chance.
Friday, 5 February 2010
The Outside-In Festival @ The Sage (3)
Reviewed by Adam Williams
T4’s Outside-In festival brought together some of the biggest acts around for a day of music at the iconic Sage Gateshead. Using a similar formula to T4 On The Beach, each act performed 3 or 4 of their most popular songs which kept the festival moving at a fast pace but often left you a tad unsatisfied when a band had to leave the stage just as they were getting into their set.
The event began with the woeful N-Dubz wannabe Fugative but thankfully he wasn’t a sign of what was to come. I spent most of my time in Hall One where the more alternative acts were playing but still caught Pixie Lott and the Sugababes on the main stage; they wowed the young crowd with recent hits as I headed to watch the impressive Courteeners on the second stage. I’m not that big a fan of the Courteeners but they put in a strong performance and really won me over by the end of their brief set.
Local band Polarsets were the pick of the lesser known artists on the bill before the highlight of the event came as Danish pop band Alphabeat took to the stage. There was a huge influx of people from the main stage and they really brought the event to life with their popular hits The Spell and Fascination.
The fantastic Marina and the Diamonds followed, romping her way through her most well known material and the Automatic put in a solid show before headliners Lostprophets rounded off the evening with a slightly underwhelming performance.
At the same time the more chart friendly acts such as Taio Cruz, Example and N-Dubz rounded the evening off on the main stage. It was an enjoyable day which flew past, leaving everybody in the crowd wanting more.
T4’s Outside-In festival brought together some of the biggest acts around for a day of music at the iconic Sage Gateshead. Using a similar formula to T4 On The Beach, each act performed 3 or 4 of their most popular songs which kept the festival moving at a fast pace but often left you a tad unsatisfied when a band had to leave the stage just as they were getting into their set.
The event began with the woeful N-Dubz wannabe Fugative but thankfully he wasn’t a sign of what was to come. I spent most of my time in Hall One where the more alternative acts were playing but still caught Pixie Lott and the Sugababes on the main stage; they wowed the young crowd with recent hits as I headed to watch the impressive Courteeners on the second stage. I’m not that big a fan of the Courteeners but they put in a strong performance and really won me over by the end of their brief set.
Local band Polarsets were the pick of the lesser known artists on the bill before the highlight of the event came as Danish pop band Alphabeat took to the stage. There was a huge influx of people from the main stage and they really brought the event to life with their popular hits The Spell and Fascination.
The fantastic Marina and the Diamonds followed, romping her way through her most well known material and the Automatic put in a solid show before headliners Lostprophets rounded off the evening with a slightly underwhelming performance.
At the same time the more chart friendly acts such as Taio Cruz, Example and N-Dubz rounded the evening off on the main stage. It was an enjoyable day which flew past, leaving everybody in the crowd wanting more.
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
The Outside-In Festival @ The Sage (2)
Reviewed by Sophie Stewart
Having never been to the Sage before, I was first of all blown away by the incredible building that this festival was hosted in. There were two main stages, one was set up in the foyer, and one was the Gateshead College Stage. Pixie Lott was the first act we saw, and she was awesome. She had such a great presence on the stage as well, the crowd loved her. The Courteeners were pretty good, the highlight for me was 'Not Nineteen Forever' which again, the crowd loved. The Sugababes did a great performance, and were the only performers to have choreographed dance routines. They did their new tracks as well as some classics that everyone loves, like 'Get Sexy'. Girls Can't Catch and Scouting for Girls were pretty good, although my highlight was Alphabeat. They were better than I could have imagined, the lead singer's voice was incredible and I loved the lead male vocalist, who seemed to be having an awesome time with his tambourine...! Taio Cruz and N-Dubz, the headline acts, were both really good to watch and the crowd loved them, it was just a shame they didn't get to perform many songs because of time restraints. All in all it was an awesome evening in a great location with some really good music and all for a good cause, and I would definitely reccommend it to other people if it happens again next year!
Having never been to the Sage before, I was first of all blown away by the incredible building that this festival was hosted in. There were two main stages, one was set up in the foyer, and one was the Gateshead College Stage. Pixie Lott was the first act we saw, and she was awesome. She had such a great presence on the stage as well, the crowd loved her. The Courteeners were pretty good, the highlight for me was 'Not Nineteen Forever' which again, the crowd loved. The Sugababes did a great performance, and were the only performers to have choreographed dance routines. They did their new tracks as well as some classics that everyone loves, like 'Get Sexy'. Girls Can't Catch and Scouting for Girls were pretty good, although my highlight was Alphabeat. They were better than I could have imagined, the lead singer's voice was incredible and I loved the lead male vocalist, who seemed to be having an awesome time with his tambourine...! Taio Cruz and N-Dubz, the headline acts, were both really good to watch and the crowd loved them, it was just a shame they didn't get to perform many songs because of time restraints. All in all it was an awesome evening in a great location with some really good music and all for a good cause, and I would definitely reccommend it to other people if it happens again next year!
The Outside-In Festival @ The Sage
Reviewed by Clare Russell
The Outside-In Festival on 30th of January at the Sage, Gateshead proved to be a huge success. The venue itself was spectacular and performances by the Sugarbabes, Alphabeat, N-Dubz and Pixie Lott were equally as impressive. On entering the building and leaving the cold weather behind, the lively atmosphere inside was sure to get everyone in the mood to party!
Pixie Lott was the first artist to perform, impressively, her voice sounded better live and her single ‘Boys and Girls’ was certainly the audience’s favourite. Various artists performed throughout the night, with the option of going to two stages. On the main stage were the more popular artists, including; Sugababes, Girls Can’t Catch, Scouting for Girls, Taio Cruz and N-Dubz. Of course, as is expected at any festival, the drink was extremely over priced, however it didn’t stop the alcohol from flowing. I thoroughly enjoyed my evening and I would definitely recommend this festival as a cure for the winter blues!
The Outside-In Festival on 30th of January at the Sage, Gateshead proved to be a huge success. The venue itself was spectacular and performances by the Sugarbabes, Alphabeat, N-Dubz and Pixie Lott were equally as impressive. On entering the building and leaving the cold weather behind, the lively atmosphere inside was sure to get everyone in the mood to party!
Pixie Lott was the first artist to perform, impressively, her voice sounded better live and her single ‘Boys and Girls’ was certainly the audience’s favourite. Various artists performed throughout the night, with the option of going to two stages. On the main stage were the more popular artists, including; Sugababes, Girls Can’t Catch, Scouting for Girls, Taio Cruz and N-Dubz. Of course, as is expected at any festival, the drink was extremely over priced, however it didn’t stop the alcohol from flowing. I thoroughly enjoyed my evening and I would definitely recommend this festival as a cure for the winter blues!
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