Mostly Autumn - Gloucester Guildhall
Heather Findlay
It doesn’t seem like four months since the last time I saw my favourite live band. This may be because I’ve seen more than half the band already this year, either as members of other bands (Breathing Space and Panic Room), or as audience members at other gigs.Gloucester Guildhall is a new venue for me. This gig wasn’t one I’d originally planned to go to, but when circumstances forced me to abandon my planned trip to Devon and Cornwall taking in the Penzance and Tavistock shows, Gloucester turned out to be one I could make as a substitute. It’s a provincial theatre rather than a rock club, somewhat reminiscent of The Met in Bury.
Andy Smith
This year they have yet another new lineup. The 2008 bands sees the welcome return of Liam Davidson on guitar and Iain Jennings on keys, and a brand new drummer in the shape of Henry Bourne. In addition, Anne-Marie Helder, who initially filled in as a guest on the short December tour continues on keys, flute and backing vocals. Unfortunately Livvy Sparnenn wasn’t present tonight due to exams (That excuse really isn’t very rock’n'roll, is it?)The performance reminded me of just why I love this band. I’d read reports of a few wobbles and technical glitches on the first date the previous weekend at Bilston, but there were no such problems this time round. All the band were in great spirits and on fine form. With Liam back on second guitar the sound was noticeably heavier, and I was impressed by new boy Henry Bourne’s drumming. On only his second gig with the band his style definitely suits the band. And Heather, four months pregnant, was on fantastic form vocally; especially when the choice of songs had her singing lead the majority of the time.
Heather again
The setlist was much changed from last year. Naturally it features a lot of new material from the forthcoming “Glass Shadows”. It usually takes me a few listens to really appreciate new songs, but “Flowers for Guns” (an MA song you can dance to!) impressed on first hearing, as did “Tearing at the Faerytale”. They’ve also rested quite a few of the regular standards in favour of several songs from “Passengers”, an album they’ve seriously neglected in recent years. I’ve waited a long time to hear “Another Life” and “Simple Ways” live, and it was worth the wait.
Bryan Josh
Only the second show of the tour with a new lineup, and the band is already gelling pretty well, even if they haven’t quite reached “the zone” I’m sure they’ll get to on later dates. This is going to be a great tour, I can tell.
