Date: 24/10/07
Rating:
Tonight's gig is part of the uLive tour around the country's student unions, and was meant to be co-headlined by The Bees. Illness forced them to drop out at the start, and it's left to Nine Black Alps to please the crowds on their own.
A strange venue - having to get a lift to your sweaty gig on the fourth floor isn't the same as staggering in off the street - but you do get the most amazing view of London's South Bank if you peek behind the black curtains. Nine Black Alps take to a poorly lit stage in the drab venue, and their heckles are raised. It's apparent they are playing to a mainly indifferent crowd, which never makes for a good atmosphere. It's an unfortunate set of circumstances, as Nine Black Alps are one of those captivating bands whose songs shine on the stage, but the magic just isn't there tonight. There's a detachment present, and a frustration that can't be contained.
Despite all this, the performance is technically excellent; an even mix of songs from debut 'Everything Is' and latest album 'Love/Hate'. 'Forget My Name' is a bridge between the heavier debut and the more mellow second LP from which it is taken, and causes the modest mosh pit to do their thing. 'So In Love' is two minutes of rage that comes after softer numbers such as new single 'Bitter End'. 'Love/Hate' 'Heavier Than water' is one of those songs whose only reason in life is to be played live, and ironically, is probably coming across better because of the friction, if that was possible. A shouty member of the crowd repeatedly asks for 'Get Your Guns', and eventually frontman Sam Forrest informs him that it's just not happening. Crowdpleasing is not on the cards tonight.
It's one of those gigs where the band have to win the crowd over, but if the work isn't put in, it won't happen. An rare off night for Nine Black Alps.
Claire Scofield
Nine Black Alps Official Site
Submit to:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comments
No comments yet
