We arrive into the darkness. Bright lasers are silhouetting the artists on stage before the lights come up to reveal one of the largest backing bands seen supporting the ever wonderful Mr Woody Green. He launches into a delightful rendition of ‘So Entwined’. The band even includes Jamie on understated maudlin trumpet. Despite some lead crackle on the bass guitar, the sound in alphabet is full and sumptuous. Magical stuff from the night’s opener. He is a man who should become a household name in all good thinking establishments.
Next up are Tinman, who offer a dreamy easy listening brand of psych over a particularly strong rhythm section. They would slot nicely into the mellower end of the Bella Union roster. Perhaps not as immediate as Woody, the crescendos however build to offer a pay off, that rewards attention. ‘The Paradox’ could make satisfying home listening, while the new tune known only as ‘New Tune’ is genuinely jaw on the floor amazing with its pedal explosions and drumming frenzy. Source will definitely be checking them out again.
Jamie Broughton’s band take to the stage. ‘Orpheus Wakes Up!’ begins in gentle folk that quickly mutates into a pop beast drawing from the best of Talking Heads and the more melodic side of the Boo Radleys.
While Jamie, who you may well recognise from Ideal Living or backing Woody Green plays every single note on his debut album; ‘Big Long Sun: Speaking’ the band really help Jamie’s vision take flight. The seven musicians are a mixture of seasoned hands and first time performers; a beguiling blend of musical chops and charming naivety.
The taught pace continues with ‘Dangling Down’, with a cheeky clarinet part lurking beneath the surface. It is Eccentric art pop at its finest. The looping vocals of ‘Love in a Day’ then hypnotise before a filthy guitar part slaps you in the face and we get back to the business of having fun.
He introduces his band in a delightful manner when ends with a repeated chant of “We’re all people!” before ‘Make it Blue’ hits an angular punk stride over its wide open funky rhythm.
The band then erupt into an impromptu cover of ‘Johnny Be Goode’ with the only lyrics being a repeated chant of ‘Woody Green’.
‘Race to the Reichstag’ brings in some Pavement, before a stunning piece of performance poetry; ‘Such a Scream’ which starts like Tom Waits before becoming a feedback drenched pounder. A cover of ‘Sneaky Sneaky’ by Connan Mockasin sees the girls in the band whelp like dogs while regularly falling about in laughter.
The finale of ‘Beneath the Air and the Water’ sees Grab some drumsticks and get involved in the polyphonic rhythm before retiring to front to lead a choral chant underpinned by Mina of Van Zon’s violin playing.
The cats out of the bag. Jamie is not just a backing musician. He is an artist of real purpose. The Brighton scene is on fire at present. Could Jamie be the person to make that a global phenomenon? Quite possibly.
Jamie Broughton Album Launch Show – 8th October
Alphabet
Words: Nick McAllister
Pictures: Stan O’Shea
