“I can’t see the street. Is there anybody left out there?” asks the Mystery Jets manager to a hundred expectant faces in Resident.
Lucky fans who pre-ordered new album ‘Curve Of The Earth’ were treated to guest lists to tonight’s instore. It’s a snug fit but the recent shop expansion has been a blessing for occasions like this.
“God there’s a lot of people here,” remarks new bassist Jack Flanagan before the band play a skeletal version of ‘Telomere’. Without microphones and a PA it’s given a folk facelift that works well.
“It’s really good singing without a microphone, it feels like we’re in a chamber choir… Only we’re not castrated,” says Flanagan to laughter inside the store.
They sound more barbershop quartet than choir during the vocal aerobics of ‘Bubblegum’. The keyboard hook is a DeLorean trip through 16-bit stars. They’re still the masters of sounding retro without being derivative and the crowd seem spellbound.
“You can’t go to Snoopers Paradise without coming out with a Casio,” says Blaine before playing a demo track on his keyboard. “That’s the next record right there,” he quips to laughter from the audience.
Eel Pie’s finest are in jovial spirits and look pleased to be back, but the new songs themselves tell a more sombre story. Stripped of any stadium grandeur the spotlight is on the lyrics.
‘Bombay Blue’ has Harrison singing about how love has become an enemy. Long moved on are the teens dreaming about the girl ‘Two Doors Down’.
Romance returns to the crowd’s delight though with fan favourite ‘Young Love’. The harmonies induce a heady rush of nostalgia and we’re suddenly reminded of the quirks that made the Jets so loveable in the first place.
Riding the wave of jubilation they tear through ‘Something Purer’ from the Americana soaked ‘Radlands’. “Give me rock n’ roll” sing the band in a chorus so big it threatens to rattle the vinyl off the shelves.
“We’re going to do a couple more songs and then we’ll sign whatever you want. Although we can’t promise it will improve the value,” says Blaine with a smile.
After collectively managing to name every film David Bowie has appeared in, Resident are rewarded with a heartfelt rendition of ‘Five Years’. Blaine and William take a verse each on a sparkling tribute fit for the Starman himself. Resident erupts and it’s a touching finish to an incredible show.
The Mystery Jets are booked for a return flight to Brighton at The Great Escape. We can’t wait.
Resident, Wednesday 20th January 2016
Words by Andy Baker
Photos by Ashley Laurence
