WORDS JANET HARDING
It’s a home town gig for two out of four of our headline tonight (Ben Byrne and James Stelfox). A hometown gig ups the anti; they always go off big time. Not only do followers come from all over, but locals turn out in droves and the energy on stage always seems just that little bit more magical. Starsailor are a band that every live music fan should see anyway; performance is consistently high, they just are a brilliant live band.
Arriving early at the historic Parr Hall in my home town of Warrington tonight, it’s already getting busy and there genuinely is a buzz in the air. This band are so well loved and the mixture of age groups present tonight is true testament to how appealing this sound and music is to all generations. It’s brilliant to see. This latest tour is to showcase their latest album “Where the wild things grow” but will feature classic hits alongside the new material. There’s an extra musical gift as tonight’s lineup includes on guitar Tony “Doggen” Foster” from Spiritualised for the full set , so with a 5 piece to look forward to anticipation is really up there!
Support – Andrew Cushin
Andrew Cushin – vocal/guitar
Rich Smedley – keys
Louis Potts – drums
Tom Richards – guitar
Michael Anderson – bass
First up tonight we have Teesside’s own Andrew Cushin, signed to Pete Doherty’s label, Strap Originals, giving us a full band performance. Right from the off it’s one explosive set! Energy on stage is huge and in abundance, all band members are full throttle throughout, giving us one lively and attention grabbing Stage presence is immense, very likeable. energised and flawlessly performed.
This crowd honestly is loving it! Indie/indie rock in genre but sound wise a melting pot, an eclectic mix, so many sounds and influences coming through. I’m instantly reminded of the Jam or the Enemy. Drums come at us like rolling thunder, then jagged guitars, an almost Kasabian like feel, then other songs feel more the Verve like, even the K’s. The vocal is soulful, very atmospheric and completely absorbing; smooth, rich and velvety yet filled with character.
One brilliant, fast paced set, that really flew by, I think it’s safe to say as a crowd we were gutted it had to end! I’m very keen to see Andrew Cushin again. A brilliant sound, very sharply executed and a real “blow your mind” set.
No set list available.
Starsailor – headline
James Walsh – vocal/guitar
James Stelfox – bass
Barry Westhead – keys
Ben Byrne – drums
(Special guest) Doggen Foster – guitar
So as our headline tonight take their places on stage the noise from an enthusiastic crowd is now deafening. We are well and truly ready for this now. Opening with ‘Into the Wild ‘ from the new album ‘Where the wild ones grow’, they fill this venue with atmosphere; as dry ice billows out, the swirling sound wraps itself around us. It’s upbeat, high vibrational, melodic and catchy – pure Starsailor magic. The entire crowd are bobbing, and then as ‘Poor misguided fool’ begins the energy is multiplied and there is bouncing en masse; this being the catalyst, everyone is chanting the words back at the stage.
Well known for being an outstanding live band, tonight is no exception. These pioneers of the new acoustic movement decades ago have stood the test of time and these well loved classic songs performed before us now sound every bit as fresh, new and exciting as when first experienced. The new material showcased tonight is very strong, memorable, ‘must hear more’ sounding, possibly more optimistic, more upbeat, shimmering and box fresh and full of promise and intrigue.
James’s vocals are as ever stunning, moving; he manages to convey pure angst, passion, regret and heartbreak and puts emotion into every word he sings, whilst at the same time providing uplift and an almost transcending feel/sound. The warm organ tones give a haunting and vintage sound whilst piano sections bring melody and lullaby feels; strumming acoustic sounds give atmosphere and eeriness. Drumming goes from soft, gentle and steady, meandering and climbing into almost military striking beats. Bass lines soar, creating a real texture, grounding these wonderful sounds whilst lead guitar gives yet more texture and character, giving more vintage sounds, none more so than when wah wah is used.
As a band Starsailor command this stage and, whilst it’s true they may not bring wilds and on stage antics or leap about the stage before us, it’s none the less captivating and it’s impossible to tear our eyes away from the stage. A Starsailor gig is like a wonderful, warm, comforting hug of musicality, lovingly wrapping its sounds around the crowd. Nothing can beat that feeling, when standing amongst hundreds of fellow fans all singing along and swaying to these utterly bewildering and breathtaking sounds, which are as iconic as they are heartfelt.
Another stand out performance for me tonight; Starsailor are the band who just keep bringing it. – and the new album is a musical delight too.
Set List:
1/ Into the Wild
2/ Poor Misguided Fool
3/ Alcoholic
4/ After the rain
5/ Way to fall
6/ Fever
7/ Better Times
8/ Lullaby
9/ Where the Wild Things Grow
10/ Best of Me
11/ Dead on the money
12/ Tie up my Hands
13/ Tell me It’s not Over
14/ Four to the Floor
15/ Silence is Easy
Encore
16/ Heavyweight
17/ Good Souls
FOLLOW STARSAILOR
FOLLOW ANDREW CUSHIN
Music is my lifeblood and writing about this creative force is my passion.Im never happier than at a live gig,festival or listening to music,pen and notebook in hand.
