Tonight’s gig would seem to
be a co-headliner in all but name. The Maccabees take to the stage to Given To
The Wild (Intro), with Orlando Weeks pricking the track’s pomp with a cheery
‘hello!’.
Half of tonight’s set is
taken from their last album Given To The Wild, whilst five songs come from Wall
Of Arms. Only X-Ray is performed from Colour It In. However, the highlight for
me is No Kind Words from Wall Of Arms, which is an excellent song.
The Maccabees are not in the
least bit fazed by the size of this venue, and could easily headline here.
Presumably the only thing that prevents them from doing so is that perhaps
promoters feel that their album sales are not sufficient to warrant them
selling the venue out.
Lack of album sales is not
an issue that will concern The Black Keys unduly, as over the last two or three
years their career path has become positively stratospheric. Tonight they are
joined by two auxiliary musicians, presumably in order to provide a little more
punch. However, for the most part these guys are largely inaudible, and when
they briefly leave the stage mid-set to Auerbach and Carney their absence is
barely noticeable.
Most of the set tonight is
split between the last two albums (El Camino and Brothers) with three songs
from Attack And Release, and one each from Thickfreakness, Rubber Factory and
Magic Potion. The Black Keys are not the most flamboyant of performers, but for
sheer enthusiasm and the quality of their playing they’re difficult to beat as
a live band.
They were by no means blown
offstage by The Maccabees, but they were certainly given a run for their money.
In terms of value for money we were treated to great performances by two very
good bands.
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