More on: Mystery Jets

Date: 30/04/08
Rating:

Who would have thought Mystery Jets would have not one but two singles up for song of the year and a fantastic album to boot. They are back re-galvanised and full of energy and 80s pop hooks.

Tonight at the Joiners they are their usual enigmatic good selves, (though sadly, lead singer Blaine's father Henry has hung up his guitar for live performances) they enter the stage to mass adulation. Following the track-listing of recent album 'Twenty One' they begin with 'Hideaway' followed by their greatest tune to date 'Young Love' - but alas no surprise duet with Laura Marling. The crowd scream the lyrics back, which brings smiles all over the Eel Pie Island quartet. They seem so much in love with their new material, and even ask the audience to vote for which album they prefer. Obviously 'Twenty One' wins, and guitarist William promises us all a drink (sadly he wasn't true to his word!). The majority of the show is made up from their current album - surprisingly they only perform four songs from 'Making Dens', including 'Diamonds In The Dark' and 'The Boy Who Ran Away'. Although they are well received, they lack the same reaction as their newer material, which highlights how much of a new audience the boys have gained.

'Flakes' and 'Two Doors Down' are the definite highlights, causing mass hysteria to the latter and some pretty fine 80s dancing, whilst the former really takes off live, and sounds glorious. By the time they play set closer 'Bunhouse', the boys are soaked in sweat - they really have fined tuned their live performance and its hard to notice where Henry fitted in on stage. The rest of the band all play keyboards, guitars and basically anything they can get their hands on and create a rich sound that matches the album.

Teasing their audience for an eternity, they eventually come back on stage for an encore of 'Can't Fool Me Dennis' and feature a surprise guest. Henry, sporting an 80s Bowie t-shirt, comes on to sing along to their breakthrough single. The crowd who had been pleading for the 'Jets to play 'Zoo Time' eventually get their wish. Their dance/rock anthem soon provoked half the front row to invade the stage to the delight of the band but sadly not security. By the time the last fan had been kicked off stage The Mystery Jets bow out. A smashing gig, and with so many concerts and festivals lined up for the boys, they are a must-see act this summer. Let's just hope they can last.

Francis Jolley

Mystery Jets Official Site