02 December 2006 (gig)
02 December 2006
How is it that a London based creative rock four piece have made it so big in Europe without even being able to get a deal in their own country? Since finding out about The Servant a couple of months ago, the question had bugged me. By the time I turned up at the Hoxton Bar and Grill, I'd heard a couple of great singles they'd released abroad and my curiosity levels were reaching fever pitch.
In Italy, France, and Switzerland Dan Black can hardly show his face in public without being linched by an army of adoring mid-twenty year old females yet, ask a hundred Londoners who he is and they'll stare at you blankly. The intimate atmosphere of the Hoxton Bar and Grill provided the venue and as I walked in there was no surprise to find the majority of the assembled speaking Italian.
The band took to the stage with lead vocalist Dan immediately showing his lighter side, correcting his Italian welcome as a mistake through force of habit. The relatively short set began with Chris Burrows showing his mercurial talent on guitar by replacing the plectrum with a violin stick for the introduction of 'Sleep Depravation', a classic example of The Servant's unique sound which blends Radioheadish experimental tunes with sixties undertones and with a fair indulgence of guitar encrusted rock n' roll, all led by a mesmerising, even if bordering on neurotic, front man. The gig continued with 'How To Destroy a Relationship', 'Cells' and the inspiring 'Hey do you feel good' before the crowd's continued shouts for 'Orchestra' were satisfied with an energetic display of what is obviously a big fan favourite. The adrenalin grew throughout the night with the band triumphantly signing off with 'On Your Knees' to raucous applause.
The Servant are a very tight, original outfit, almost impossible to pigeon hole in any genre of music. An incredible array of guitar sounds from the phenomonal Chris Burrows is well backed up by the solid percussion (Trevor Sharpe) and charismatic bassist (Matt Fisher) while lead singer Dan Black unleashes himself and his screaching but melodic voice on his spellbound fans.
My initial question was left totally answered. The Servant are big in Europe because they are a great band on every level. How they remain unknown here is beyond me and it is a matter of time before they get snapped up by a decent label. I proudly boast to have called the future success of several unsigned bands in this country, The Servant is my next shout. They are London's biggest secret, I don't think they will be for long.
For more info - www.theservant.co.uk
