WORDS AND IMAGES DESH KAPUR
Friday night was going to be special. I found myself in Liverpool’s Mountford Hall for aN evening with one of my favorite bands, the brilliant Ocean Colour Scene. As a Mod myself, this was going to be a night to remember. Upon arrival at the venue, I was greeted by Fishtail Parkas, desert boots, two-tone jackets, Fred Perry, and Ben Sherman shirts, reminiscent of my own wardrobe.
In the vibrant tapestry of the ’90s, Ocean Colour Scene carved out the identity of a British mod rock band that rose to prominence during the whirlwind of Britpop mania. And I, for one, am a huge fan.
From sharing stages with luminaries like Paul Weller and OASIS to catching the attention of a major label, their music resonated nationally and internationally. Their sophomore album, ‘Moseley Shoals,’ birthed four hit singles — “The Riverboat Song,” “The Day We Caught the Train,” “The Circle,” and “You’ve Got It Bad” — cementing their place on the airwaves and earning them a coveted slot at OASIS’s legendary Knebworth gigs in 1996.
Three decades later, with 11 albums etched into their musical journey, the band announced a road trip traversing England, Scotland, and the Isle of Man.
But before OCS, we were treated to Devon duo Burr Island, a band closely associated with OCS’s guitar-playing legend and the Mod duke to Paul Weller’s Modfather, Steve Craddock. I was expecting big things.
And they didn’t disappoint—breathtaking vocal harmonies accompanied by acoustic guitars. Tonight, they played with a full band and collectively merged to create some folk-inspired pop songs, backed by light percussion and bass. Their sound had a distinct ’60s feel, and you couldn’t help but draw comparisons to Simon and Garfunkel.
After a brief interlude, the venue dimmed, and the room resonated with the full version of ‘The Fairytale of New York’ in tribute to the late Shane McGowan, who had recently passed.
OCS graced the stage to thunderous applause, diving into a set showcasing the incredible tightness of a band that has spent a long time playing together.
Video backdrops alternated between scooter gangs and archival footage of the band performing worldwide. Despite their extensive discography, the majority of the set focused on ‘Moseley Shoals‘ and ‘Marchin’ Already,’ This choice clearly resonated with fans, transporting them back to the mid-’90s when these tracks dominated the airwaves.
Steve and Simon seamlessly transitioned between electric and acoustic guitars, harmonicas, and slide guitar, enhanced by the addition of keys played by Steve’s son. Oscar Harrison on drums and Raymond Meads on bass, a member since 2016, provided the solid rhythmic foundation.
Act one treated the audience to fan favorites like ‘The Riverboat Song,’ ‘Travellers Tune,’ and ‘The Circle,’ while act two showcased Simon Fowler’s solo performance of the poignant ‘Robin Hood.’ The show concluded with ‘The Day We Caught the Train,’ eliciting roars of approval and people singing at the tops of their collective voices.
Tonight looked like a sell-out, and one thing is certain, their back catalogue of songs truly stand the test of time and they are well loved by each and every person in the room. KEEP THE FAITH!
Setlist
1/ One for the Road
2/ Families
3/ July
4/ The Circle
5/ The Downstream
6/ Better Day
7/ So Low
8/ Travellers Tune
9/ Debris Road
10/ Policemen & Pirates
11/ Jane She Got Excavated
12/ Half a Dream Away
13/ It’s My Shadow
14/ Foxy’s Folk Faced
15/ This Day Should Last Forever
16/ Get Blown Away
17/ The Riverboat Song
18/ Hundred Mile High City
Encore
19/ Robin Hood (Simon Solo)
20/ Profit in Peace
21/ The Day We Caught the Train
FOLLOW OCEAN COLOUR SCENE
FOLLOW BURR ISLAND
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My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
