Shady Bard @ Wee Red Bar
Britain's own answer to the Arcade Fire?
| 07 Nov 2007
No strangers to these pages, Seven-piece Broken Records (4/5) follow in the orkestar-vein with violins and accordions. Whether or not they're a knock on effect from Beirut's fledgling success is debatable but if lively shows with a full band engaging the audience are the consequences of Zach Condon's pilgrimage through European shanties then play away. Tonight the band is on top form, playing with skill and nuance. If this indie-orchestral sound takes off, and there is no reason why it shouldn't, their only concern is how they'll all fit in a tour bus.
It seems the Records are spinning in good company: with a multi-tasking indie orchestra featuring violin and cello in tow, Shady Bard's (3/5) sprawling display of merchandise suggests a band with hopes of hitting the big leagues. And if tonight's Wee Red performance is any measure, they should start practising pouts for front covers now. The jumping, nervous words on Stand out track Bobby could be about Dylan, or Kennedy, or me, or you. While other songs could do with further drafts, and their melodies texture, the band's stage presence, innovation and energy could qualify them as Britain's own answer to the Arcade Fire. (Hamza K)
It seems the Records are spinning in good company: with a multi-tasking indie orchestra featuring violin and cello in tow, Shady Bard's (3/5) sprawling display of merchandise suggests a band with hopes of hitting the big leagues. And if tonight's Wee Red performance is any measure, they should start practising pouts for front covers now. The jumping, nervous words on Stand out track Bobby could be about Dylan, or Kennedy, or me, or you. While other songs could do with further drafts, and their melodies texture, the band's stage presence, innovation and energy could qualify them as Britain's own answer to the Arcade Fire. (Hamza K)