We arrive at the Albert after one of those dark, dank and damp November days, annoyed with work, grumpy as hell and not remotely in the mood for a gig – even though we’d been looking forward to it since Hutch’s set at 234 Fest at the Green Door Store in September.
It only takes a millisecond of opener ‘See It All’ and we’re whisked away to Laurel Canyon, imagining sunshine dappled across our bare feet as we drop sweet liquid LSD and frolic through the hills.
As Dan Sheppard takes the lead for the spritely single ‘Potted Plants’, we happen to catch a glimpse of the set-list, which contains detailed instructions on the vocal mix for the soundman: “In general all four vocals want to sit near the top of the mix with a luxurious reverb on all.” SOURCE can confirm that this mission is fully accomplished. Luxurious really is the word.
In one of the night’s more surreal moments Jack Pritchard launches into a speech: “I feel like a water droplet. You know how I feel. You know. Catching droplets and chasing rainbows.” That he manages to deliver this with loveable sincerity is testament to the glow they are creating in the room.
Who knew a clean guitar tone could be that much fun? The combination of guitar and vocal harmonies veers between Slowdive covering the Beach Boys and the Beach Boys covering Slowdive.
The band is so much more than just its two frontmen though. Eva Lunny on harp and synths, Owen Bullock on drums and vocals and Charlie Bogg on bass and vocals are all exceptional musicians.
The band are clearly having fun now. ‘Dancer On The Moon’ is dedicated to Elton John and Dua Lipa.
For the final section of the show, the band launch into new single ‘Mechanical Bull’ before flirting with the encore and coming back with the exceptionally lovely piece of C86 jangle pop that is ‘Radiator Centre’.
They close with perhaps their most precocious moment, ‘Sandworms’, with its deranged howls and key signature changes. Again, sincerity is the main factor. You can sense it when all five band members unleash their wild side as they scream, while pulling off a song so complicated it could have been written by Queen.
Ultimately we’re left grinning from ear to ear having witnessed a band as good as ‘Rumours’-era Fleetwood Mac in that most special of small rooms above a special pub.
The Prince Albert, Wednesday 23rd November 2022
Words by Nick McAllister
Photos by Alyx Ashton
