Brand New at The Forum
Brand New – London Forum – 27 June 2009
Words and photographs by Marcus Maschwitz
I really am not sure where to start off with for this review so excuse me if I babble but I am just going to write as things come to mind. Let me begin by saying that I am a HUGE fan of Brand New and this was going to be the second time that I would be seeing them. The big thing is that the first time was about 2 and a half years ago and I was really really new to their music so I didn’t have much expectations during that show and because it was at a festival (where my attention was definitely focused on other bands) I do not really remember much of the show. This time though I had their albums, I had researched their lyrics, I had watched videos and sang along to their songs while driving as if I was a part of the band, meaning my expectations were a lot higher.
On arrival at the venue, I realized that they have continued to grow as The Forum was completely packed to capacity and they were the main feature / focus for the night. I had a look around and the crowd was quite varied with ages ranging from young to old and everyone seemed to be in a good mood and just ready to enjoy a good night out. Always a good start.
After the long setup (these guys are fully kitted out and I would HATE to be their guitar / stage tech and have the pressure of getting things right on my shoulder), the lights dimmed (as they do) and the screams that emitted completely caught me off guard, this crowd was excited. The band walks on and they begin what I can only describe as the tightest collaboration I have ever seen live in all the years of doing this. I could not believe how good everything (will clarify on this later) sounded and how beautiful it was to witness. I really felt as though I was watching a production purely because I was focusing on what each person in the band was doing. The guitarist (Vincent Accardi) is one of the most interesting guitarists I have seen play in ages and he reminded me of a guy by the name of Alan Shenton that I have worked with for so many years in the passed. The way he played his guitar made it seem as though it was connected to him, not only in a physical way but in a way that it feels he would be completely lost without it. He was was my front man and an absolute pleasure to watch and photograph. Don’t get me wrong, I am not only propping this one person because a band is made up of a collection of talents and these guys were all on a different level. It was amazing to watch when they included additional members resulting in a 3 guitarist, 2 drummer and 1 bassist with mixed vocals concoction. Mind Blowing.
The one thing that I feel really confused about though is that for some reason (and I don’t mean this in an offensive way in the slightest) the frontman, Jesse Lacey, sounded completely different to the singer on the bands recorded work. Honestly, I couldn’t pick up many, if any at all, parts that sounded the same. It’s not a bad thing I guess but I can strongly admit that I prefer their studio singer. Jesse, for me, resembled the late Kurt Cobain in regards to the way he performs live – his low hanging guitar, dress, looks and singing style to name a few. I loved Kurt back in the day so this isn’t a bad thing, I just think that the result for me boosted the quality of their recorded works and the live set made me want to listen to them more and more which I have been doing since the show. I personally would’ve just enjoyed seeing Jesse have a bit of a better time during the show as it seemed he wasn’t.
The set was filled with a good selection of songs including Sic Transit Gloria…Glory Fades, Jesus, Degausser, Shower Scene, Jaws Theme Swimming and Okay I Believe You, But My Tommy Gun Don’t with my favourite of the night going to The Archers Bows have Broken and the crowd seemed to agree with everyone (it seemed) singing along, but in a way that I have never seen before. It was as if I was the only person in the room that night that didn’t know every single lyric. Wow! If you don’t know these guys and have never heard any of their music before, I suggest you do yourself a favour and get a hold of the track The Archers Bows have Broken and play it full up on your stereo and that will give you a good feel for what they are about.
At the end of the night, when the show ended, I felt really saddened that my time with Brand New was over and that I would need to wait a long time again until I get to see them. Something about them has drawn me in even more than I was before and I look forward to the release of their next studio album out later this year (I stand to be corrected) and a tour with them sampling the new material. I have a feeling that it is going blow Deja Entendu and The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me out of the water which almost seems impossible. I cannot wait.
June 29th, 2009
I was at this show and wow. What a show. I like your review and agree about the singer but the show was still good. When does the new album come out?
June 29th, 2009
[...] – You can read the review of the show HERE Tagged: Brand New, Derrick Sherman, Garrett Tierney, Jesse Lacey, Kentish Town, London Forum, The [...]