grenoman
12-02-2011, 16:33
So, last night, it was off to The Plug. Just me, and my best mate Mark - We have been going to gigs together for as long as I can remember, one of the most memorable. Buzzcocks supported by Joy Division, Sheffield Top Rank, sometime in 78.
Last night I felt similar anticipation as I'd had that night in 78. This was a band I REALLY wanted to see live, and, I was looking forward to spending my first evening in their company.
On arrival the venue was quite full, afterall TJF had managed to sell it out. BONUS, they must be good then! As the house lights dimmed we were met by a darkened stage, save for hundreds of fairy lights. And the soothing tinkling sound of wind chimes.
After what seemed like an hour, but was realistically nearer two minutes - the stage erupted. And we were met by the power of the threesome opening the set with The ever changing spectrum of life. Instantly at home, they oozed confidence and thrashed their way through the opening song.
I clearly remember turning to Mark and saying "Thats not bad for starters"! The audience was a total cross section of ages, from the "mosh pit" teens, up at the front, where I would have been at one time - To the middle aged toe tappers at the back, a group I now belong too, but hey time waits for no-man/woman.
Song after song blended into one sublime sound, stand out tunes for me were Greyhound In the slips the brilliant austere, and Cradle.
Something else that was almost exclusive to TJF in these times, was how the audience so obviously enjoyed every bar. Friendly smiling faces at a gig makes such a difference.
In-fact the only three people in the venue who looked like they were enjoying it more than we were, were, Ritzy, Daffyd, and Matt.
The former a wonderful frontperson, you could see her facial expressions from the very back of the hall, and she bounced around all night, I genuinely think she had the time of her life. Fabulous inventive guitar, coupled with a sometimes haunting, sometimes almost threatening vocals.
The latter, the best backline I have heard and seen in many a year. Infact, Matt makes skin spanking look so easy, maybe even I could do it?? Maybe not.
The encore was magical - The last drop which had to be restarted due to a mistake, something they merely took in their stride. And what, for me is their finest offering to-date Whirring. A dramatic ending to a truly memorable night. If their is any justice in this world of musical indifference, The Joy Formidable, will become very very big. BRILLIANT!
Last night I felt similar anticipation as I'd had that night in 78. This was a band I REALLY wanted to see live, and, I was looking forward to spending my first evening in their company.
On arrival the venue was quite full, afterall TJF had managed to sell it out. BONUS, they must be good then! As the house lights dimmed we were met by a darkened stage, save for hundreds of fairy lights. And the soothing tinkling sound of wind chimes.
After what seemed like an hour, but was realistically nearer two minutes - the stage erupted. And we were met by the power of the threesome opening the set with The ever changing spectrum of life. Instantly at home, they oozed confidence and thrashed their way through the opening song.
I clearly remember turning to Mark and saying "Thats not bad for starters"! The audience was a total cross section of ages, from the "mosh pit" teens, up at the front, where I would have been at one time - To the middle aged toe tappers at the back, a group I now belong too, but hey time waits for no-man/woman.
Song after song blended into one sublime sound, stand out tunes for me were Greyhound In the slips the brilliant austere, and Cradle.
Something else that was almost exclusive to TJF in these times, was how the audience so obviously enjoyed every bar. Friendly smiling faces at a gig makes such a difference.
In-fact the only three people in the venue who looked like they were enjoying it more than we were, were, Ritzy, Daffyd, and Matt.
The former a wonderful frontperson, you could see her facial expressions from the very back of the hall, and she bounced around all night, I genuinely think she had the time of her life. Fabulous inventive guitar, coupled with a sometimes haunting, sometimes almost threatening vocals.
The latter, the best backline I have heard and seen in many a year. Infact, Matt makes skin spanking look so easy, maybe even I could do it?? Maybe not.
The encore was magical - The last drop which had to be restarted due to a mistake, something they merely took in their stride. And what, for me is their finest offering to-date Whirring. A dramatic ending to a truly memorable night. If their is any justice in this world of musical indifference, The Joy Formidable, will become very very big. BRILLIANT!