The NME Tour, Nottingham Rock City, 11/2/09
To say that there has been much excitement surrounding the 2009 NME Tour is somewhat of an understatement, with many considering the line up to be the best for several years. With a range and depth of musical talents and genres, on paper it promised to be a fantastic evening. In reality, it was far, far more than that.
The opening slot belonged to Florence and The Machine, and from the very start they ensured the audience was in the palm of their hand. Despite being relative unknowns in comparison to the rest of the tour, their flawless performance ensured no one present would be forgetting them in a hurry. Florence Welch's stunning voice and sensual stage performance grabbed the attention right from the off, her stunning vocal delivery hinting at a talent and maturity that much belied her tender age. Debut single “Kiss With A Fist” showcased her song writing versatility as well as the talent and diversity of her band, with performances of new material for her upcoming album demonstrating a blues influenced side to her music. However her defining moment undoubtedly came with “Dog Days Are Over”, with the anthemic chorus being delivered with such accuracy and passion that it was easy to see the same song being performed in much larger venues in the not too distant future.
White Lies maintained the high standard set with ease, their powerful sounds filling the now packed Rock City. Vocalist/guitarist Harry McVeigh's voice resonated over the top of their distinctive 80's – esque sound in stomping opener “Farewell To The Fairground”, showing off how much talent these boys really have. Romantic anthem “Unfinished Business” is simply an occasion, with it's slow build up and rhythmic bassline giving way to it's heartfelt an emotional chorus. The passion is there to see on McVeigh's face, and being joined by Florence for the final chorus, it is certainly one of the highlights of the evening. “Death” closes out their set, with the crowd singing every word and feeling every note. It is evident from their reaction that the band are stunned by such a reaction, but with a magnificent number one selling album, it is something they will definitely have to get used to.
After two bands of such staggering quality, the appearance of Friendly Fires continues the theme with unrivalled enthusiasm. Edd Macfarlane and co. leap around the stage with such admirable energy that the crowd cannot help but follow suit, as songs “In The Hospital” and “White Diamonds” bring the band's carnival atmosphere to a by now euphoric venue. Macfarlane's Jagger – esque gyrating certainly pleases the female contingent in the crowd, and his voice undoubtedly satisfies all. Friendly Fires' songs are by no means easy on the vocals, yet he hits every note perfectly whilst leaping all over the stage and sweating an unhealthy amount as a result. “On Board” would have brought a smile to even the stoniest of faces, it's infectious rhythm and sing – a – long chorus raising the tempo of the evening to it's peak. An elongated version of “Ex Lover” finishes their evening, and the crowd show their appreciation for what has been a stunning performance with the biggest cheer and applause of the night.
Then comes Glasvegas. The headliners. The final act. For many, what they have waited three hours to see. And it can only be described as slightly disappointing. Whether it's the fact that they are so different to the previous bands or that they simply do not transmit as well in a smaller venue, but from the very start their sound emerges as little more than a distorted mess. Opener “Geraldine” is met with a riotous reception, but the chords are barely audible underneath the sustain and effect placed on both guitars. Granted, this makes up a large part of Glasvegas' sound, but it's easy to feel that it's been somewhat overdone tonight. What can be heard is undeniably good, with James Allan's supremely unique voice surging amongst the melodies. “Flowers And Football Tops” is also particularly enjoyable, it's chorus an anthem for the gathered fans, much like most of the band's songs. And of course massive hit “Daddy's Gone” turns the evening into a massive sing – a – long, with every member of the crowd screaming the lyrics back at Allan. It's impressive stuff, but it is hard not to feel that, stripped of their sustain and their light show, Glasvegas would have really struggled to compare to the previous three bands. There is no doubt that they are talented, but tonight's performance would suggest that they have perhaps become too reliant on the things around them to make their show. It does not ruin the night, far from it, but merely accentuates the differences between the bands on the tour. And to have four bands with such talent in one place is certainly a treat, it just so happens that one of those bands is very much an acquired taste.
Words: Dan Grose
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