As the Great Escape is dragged into a storm of controversy and band cancellations, Source is very happy to head to the Marina and do our best to leave the sad hullabaloo behind. It is time to get aboard the good ship Gladiator; one of Ross’ boats that is more used to taking people Mackerel fishing and on trips out to the wind farm. The plan is to head one mile out to sea where we are to be serenaded by that most stunning of Brighton Bands, The Leaning.
We are greeted with a warm hello from Bass player Fred who offers us a beer from his cool box. All around the boat is filling up with a genuine buzz of excitement.
If ever there was a pinch me moment it is as we head through the Marina opening and out to sea, surrounded by friends into a twinkly channel. Gospel folk soundtracks our departure like a religious ritual. The sea is captivating as a change in weather front curves above us. We have a blue open sky to the south and dramatic clouds and rays of light looking west into the slowly setting sun.
Before we get to serious a Peter Andre cover inserts some silliness and jollity.
The engine stops. “Woman and Children First!!!” screams a woman in the crowd.
Lovers Rock starts with Sam solo on his acoustic guitar, and his nephew on background small child excited chatter. It is a soft and perfectly pitched start to the beautiful affair.
The full band join in as we are then treated to ‘Surf and Destroy’, which is one of this writers favourite songs by the band. As the yearning drama of the song washes over us, thankfully the sea doesn’t respond with waves. Just a gentle loll.
The Long Lost Lagoon come next with its story of living near Shoreham harbour. “You want to live beyond the blind”. Yes Sam we do out here in this deliciously perfect moment.
A new arrangement of ‘Suburban Heart’ features Declan, who usually drums for the band on excellent free jazz Clarinet as Sam sings about being a wrestler and the band join in with doo-wap harmonies.
“Can anyone see their house?” asks Sam before pointing out that he can see his, “There’s Embassy Court.”
Live set highlight and center piece of the recent ‘The Orange Night EP’; “As the Ladies Dance”, is lifted in the sunset by Lily Wolter’s, of Penelope Isles fame’s saxophone playing.
Declan gets out a wind chime as Sam introduces ‘Whole of the Moon’, now standing on the amp and providing some of his signature dance moves. “I don’t know what’s changed..” Well Sam possibly everything after this show, as the real half moon sits gloriously in the blue sky above.
Fred and Ez’s subtle combination of acoustic and electric guitar just gently underpins it all as the crowd sings the chorus.
What a treat to experience such beauty, in what deserves to become a regular event.
The Leaning Live On A Boat – Ross’ Boats
One Mile Out At Sea – 16th May
Words: Nick McAllister
Pictures: Stan O’Shea
