Beats Happening # 44

Saturday 18th March

Well this was the night that I had waited for. The venue was Ashbrooke Cricket Club and from the minute the doors opened, people flooded in, soon filling the Ditchburn Suite to capacity. There was an exceptional buzz about the place that I hadn't really felt at any other gig. The support for the night was "We Beat the System". A local band, whom I never tire of watching perform. They opened with their now familiar "Karma Culprits", which went down really well with the audience. Every time I listen to this band perform, I actually forget that they are all under 18 years old, as Daniel's voice has a maturity way beyond his years. They are influenced by bands like Delphic and Editors and have an anthemic synth sound. They finished with "Exit", where it has become a ritual for Singer Daniel to leave the stage, and allow the band to conclude. If you haven't seen this band, I would definitely recommend that you go and see them when they next play. In my opinion, this band surely, are destined for greatness.

Finally it was time for the main event. I was really excited about this as it was the first time that I had seen them perform. Suddenly the screen on the back wall came alive with a visual display of seagulls and pigeons(as well as city commuters), going about their daily business, flying, eating and pecking (the birds that is!). First on stage to take his place at the drums was Red Rooster. The rest of the roost, consisting of Blue Tit, Green Gannet, Yellow Belly and White Swan soon followed. They were accompanied by two guests, Silver Sparrow on sax and Black Crow on a second set of drums. The crowd where going mad. Feathers had been given out by White Swan and Yellow Belly, which were quickly finding their way into peoples hair. Several of the audience were wearing finger puppets, the colours emulating our musical feathered friends.

I was really enjoying this experience which, for me, was made even more memorable by the onscreen visuals. I found myself being drawn into it, feeling that I was the bird flying around, over pylons and between telephone wires. The music and images complimented each other so well. During the performance, White Swan and Silver Sparrow made frequent visits out into the crowd, which went down really well, with chants of "Get Ya Beak On", echoing around the room. Old favourites as well as new tracks such as "Diving for Mackerel" from their recent free download "The Red Edition" went down a storm.

I really had enjoyed the evening (it was obvious the band were in their element too) and I can't wait to see B>E>A>K, with their unique, uplifting instrumental sound, play again. If you missed them you can check them out at Middlesbrough Empire in April. You won't be disappointed.