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Cate Le Bon, The Sage, Gateshead

  • Published in Live

Seldom few artists take to the stage as part of the support band. However, this evening is somewhat different with the crème de la crème of Welsh music on show. First up this evening is one of our favourite up and coming acts H. Hawkline; his dulcet welsh tones mesmerising, his stories touching.

He has the most beautiful songs, and tracks like ‘Rainy Summer’ for example tug on the heartstrings. There’s a real depth and heart to this evening's set, a real star in the making. What we can’t help but notice though is that Huw’s backing band is made up of both Sweet Baboo and Cate Le Bon herself, turning tonight in to a real family affair.

With a very short break we find ourselves being hustled back into this beautiful venue as Cate Le Bon takes to that stage. Opening up with the fabulous ‘No God,’ the darkened stage and the black clad band adding to the atmosphere. Highlighting an apparent interest in choreographed dance moves, Cate struts around the stage making her presence truly felt.

That is the striking thing about Le Bon is the way she commands the stage, the beauty of her songs shines through but so too does her impressive presence. One track, which really stands out head and shoulders above the others, is ‘I Can’t Help You.’ The paisley influence to it is absolutely brilliant. piquing our interest from its opening chords.

Her beautiful delivery adds to the delicacy of the lyrics, and there’s something truly captivating about her performance. We’re entranced by this set, especially when Cate delivers the big guns in the form of a rousing rendition of ‘Wild’. The earlier delicacy is thrown out of the window, replaced by something altogether different.

We’re blown away by the change in tempo it’s a garage rock behemoth that takes us by surprise. Cate is taking the opportunity to show all of her facets, moving effortlessly from this highly energetic track to the much more chilled out ‘The Man I Wanted' in what's a restoration of the earlier beauty, and if anything this is slightly more relaxed. It is safe to say this evening is something of a roller coaster.

Cate seems convinced that she sounds sarcastic because of her accent, but we believe her and we’re sure she was truly enjoying herself this evening. She closes out with the brilliant ‘Fold The Cloth,’ the track possess so many of this evenings elements. There's the screeching guitars and delicate vocals; the perfect culmination to this evening's main set.

Returning to the stage, Le Bon treats us to a cover of Thin Lizzy’s iconic ‘Wild One,’ there couldn’t be a better way to end this evening as Cate puts her own spin on this classic track. We cannot help but swoon over the beauty this evening held, Cate has captured both our hearts and minds with her stage presence, and at times, ear splitting volume.

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Gruff Rhys, Gateshead Old Town Hall, Newcastle

  • Published in Live

It has to be said Gateshead Old Town Hall, is a truly special venue, seldom few bands seem to play here which always leaves us slightly bemused. However, this evening the venue is awash with anticipation as we hurry in, given that its been a particularly difficult trek to the venue this evening with the impending Great North Run.

We take our seats just in time for the lights to go down as Gruff Rhys makes his way to the stage, introducing the prelude to his set, a short film setting the scene with an introduction to John Evans. Gruff follows this by plotting John Evans journey, first to London and beyond.

Every track features a particularly interesting story to accompany it, this evening goes to prove that Gruff Rhys is a multi-talented man. Not only is he a lyrical genius he’s a comedian, storyteller and all round nice guy. Tracks like ‘Lolo’ and ‘Welcome to the Wilderness’ stand out from his newest long player American Interior.

They’re amply supported by a variety of tracks including ‘Gyrru Gyrru Gyrru,’ ‘Shark Ridden Waters’ and a personal favourite of ours ‘Sensations in the Dark.’ This evening is perfectly crafted, it flows brilliantly, accompanied by impressive visuals and some of the best stage banter around. This is so much more than your average set, this is so much more of an experience. To top the evening off Gruff plays another favourite of ours in the form of ‘Candylion’ from the album of the same name.

This evening is made that little bit more enchanting by the appearance of the original John Evans character used in a variety of the images displayed this evening. The Felt Lady who created him currently has an exhibition at the Old Town Hall's sister venue The Sage, so we were allowed to see the particularly special creation up close and personal.

We leave the hall spellbound and delighted to have witnessed such a genius in the flesh. A sold out crowd held in the palm of his hand for a little under two hours. A majestic performance from one of the great of UK music so few artists have this power and brilliance.

                                              

 

 

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