Having strolled past this pub many times, little did I know that the venue hosts live gigs. What a impressive gaff it is too: small and intimate, like a front room, the walls a great cherry red. It reminded me of some sort of 1920’s tart’s gin palace in all the best possible ways.
This was my first time here, and first time seeing THE BRIAN JACKET LETDOWN. Funnily enough, it turns out this was the very same venue that the band played their first gig back in July 2005.
Formed by Will Harper who leads the way on vocals and guitar and Tom Phillips behind his crazy retro sounding keyboards, their partnership blossomed when drummer Dan Radclyffe got on board. A folk rock trio with a difference was spawned.
After the release of their much noticed mini album ‘Hooves’, they added the skills of percussionist Fernando Donaire, Mike Orski on extra drums and Remi Stickland on electronics.
At a count of no more than 45 people, this really did feel personal. After a few sound hiccups, 3 of the band took to the stage and kicked off with a real atmospheric and smoky haze
sound, great Hammond and retro sounds weeping from the Keyboards, with the top of the bass drum being used like a percussion item in itself whilst the bass rested on the bassist's legs. Add to this a great guitar flow and it's clear these boys possess a truly impressive arsenal of instruments.
They demonstrate they adhere to no set style, by going into one song to another effortlessly with the tempo changing all the time. Will’s voice has been said to “of sounded like Bryan Adams”, I think that’s just bollocks, more Dan McBean of the Engineers.
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After each song another member of the band joins them, so by the 4th tune all six of them are up there on this tiny stage, shuffling about between songs.
They are definitely no fools where electronic gadgetry is concerned, as some of the music that we are hearing wouldn’t look out of place on an Air album, with lazy cosmic skits and dream-like harp overtones,touches of Pink Floyd grandeur (in their Live at Pompeii days) and even a little bit of early Verve too (think Storm in Heaven), playing like a velvet merry-go-round.
I hate to compare mindlessly, but all this hits you when hearing the marvels of The Brain Jacket Letdown. There name is almost as unique as their sound.When ‘Paratas’ is let loose upon us, this plays likes a Dr Marten stomp, full of colour and vigour. The stage presence of the band is akin to mates having a laugh, and doing something they obviously enjoy. The set goes so quickly, and I am honestly disappointed when I hear Will utter “this is our last one."
I look forward to seeing these at a bigger and a much louder venue. On the basis of this performance, I can see them making the transition.
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