| Features | The Top 10 gigs of 2008 so far? |
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Are you on Rawrip and playing a festival? Let us know here in time and we'll get your name up in this feature. |
Words by Greg Harper
When you make a snap judgement on an artist it’s hard to walk away from it while saving face, though when you’re not only wrong about a musician, but unmistakably taken aback by their genius it’s far easier as the cushion of their brilliance stifles the blow. Within seconds of Laura Marling walking on stage the whole Brighton venue was silenced. Last night of a festival, drink in hand and ready for a great show; this room was reduced to utter quietness. One song in and we’re struggling to find fault in Marling’s voice, last song and we’re trying not to cry, the sheer majesty and magic of her voice has engaged us in a way we’d never thought likely. The songs are fantastic, nothing beyond spectacular folk though, but it’s Laura’s voice we’re dying on. A voice that when it echoes through a PA system it sounds like it’s being whispered into your ear on a still evening from the pillow next to you. A voice that in all honesty makes us love music again. For every second we’reowned, emotionally dumbfounded.
2. Cage The Elephant at Underworld, London This Kentucky band is everything a British band can’t be. They’re harsh, mordant, comical, brash, over the top and down right uncouth at times. They’re almost a cliché rock band that batters the Beastie Boys with the Rolling Stones until something mildly playful comes out, and just when your guard’s dropped, they lavish you with not just some of the most mischievous punk songs this decade but also one of the most endearingly stimulating front men. Doubtlessly one of the most incredible new bands around, this is one wave of the American flag we’re more than eager to salute, their set at the Underworld being as cock-rock and roll as anybody could daydream. From the electric boom offset to the broken glassed stage invasion, this was a ramshackle and energetic performances that beat our heads in with nothing but guitar ridden funk.
3. Nick Cave and the Badseeds at Hammersmith Apollo, London An artist that you don’t really associate as being justly genius, it’s not until you’re confronted with over two hours of the Aussie minstrels work that you comprehend why he’s so sacrosanct. From new tracks ‘Dig Lazarus Dig’ and ‘More News From Nowhere’ to the emerald ‘Red Right Hand’, this set was among the most varied of the year, keeping us on the edge of our seats with fervent anticipation. Within one track alone you’re taken on a journey, the comprehensive performance being a voyage of the ears that even after two and a bit hours was too short for absolute contentment. Regardless of your knowledge of Nick Cave, his live show will blow you out of your own life. Scary, but oh so exciting.
4. The River Rat Pack at The Lock Tavern, London For those brave enough to try and progress live music, the rewards are blatant. The River Rat Pack is a fantastic suggestion, well executed and brimming with great new talent. Conceptually straightforward (a bunch of bands living on a barge, head off to play some shows), this warm up performance was an epigrammatic glance at the artists due to play over the coming weeks, all sharing a stage and playing under the ostensibly watchful eye of Marcus Mumford.
5. Die! Die! Die! at Cross Kings, London This New Zealand band wowed the audience with a stomping, organic set at the Cross Kings that many referred to as an emotional instant. A certain atmosphere was looming in the air and it took hold of the entire downstairs room resulting in a fast-paced and dirty rock show that we’re still recovering from today.
6. Bruce Springsteen at Emirates Stadium, London So many songs under this guys belt there’s nothing we can say beyond the set list, the sheer amount of hits that his two night stint brought were incalculable. This man is called The Boss for a reason. Several albums worth of good reasons.
7. The Subways at The Sugarmill, Stoke On Trent Filming their new video, and the first track from their ‘All Or Nothing’ album, the Hertfordshire trio chose this venue due to its intimate atmosphere, frenzied crowds and wrap-around balcony that Billy took to full advance many times over this remarkably raucous rock ‘n’ roll set.
8. Spiritualized at Koko, London The Spaceman resurrected; Jason Pierce back playing his electric show in praise of awesome new album ‘Songs in A & E’, an absolute highlight of his career and a viciously magical night of hits from his back catalogue.
9. The Futureheads at Digital, Brighton Having pulled out their edgier material for the show, Sunderland’s finest garage rockers played the gig of their lives. Backdropped by a music-led laser show, the band were on high form, ruling over a festival audience with power, influence and perfection, menacing the audience into mass animation.
10. The Wallbirds at Shepherd Bush Empire, London Seeing a band like this on a big stage can, so often, be a let down. However, when the family Wallbird adorn a full-size theatre it seems affectionately appropriate, their songs effortlessly pioneering around the auditorium and right into your hearts. Easily one of the most defining moments in the bands life, delivered with zeal and distinguished vocals.
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Artist reviews Editorial features "Why no one is going to Glastonbury - The rise of the small festival" ------------------------------ Johnny Foreigner release their debut album - "Waited Up 'Til It Was light" - RAWRIP get an exclusive. ------------------------------ ------------------------------ Ox.Eagle.Lion.Man release their debut ep "The Lay Of The Land, The Turn Of The Tide" ------------------------------ The Great Escape Festival round up ------------------------------ Do you really need a record label? Read on here. ------------------------------ |
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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What do you think?: Showing 4 out of 4 comments
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1. Laura Marling at Sallis Benny Theatre, Brighton
