06 November 2008 (gig)
01 November 2008
Having a 'comeback tour’ after your third album is quite unique. But then again, Leeds boys The Music aren’t your average band. After exploding onto the scene with their self titled debut and a reasonably received if slightly disappointing second album the boys went into exile. Or more rightly, their dynamic lead singer Robert Harvey was diagnosed as clinically depressed and went into therapy.
It looked like the boys were headed into the 'could have been’ wasteland, inhabited by so many early 00 bands (think The Bravery, The Cloud Room). But after their three year hiatus the boys returned with a sober lead singer and a solid third album. And if their performance on Wednesday night was anything to go by, the boys are back with a vengeance.
Opening with a vigorous rendition of 'Take The Long Road and Walk It’, you could tell the lads meant business. Sporting a new bald head, Harvey was a dead ringer for a younger Billy Corgan (Yet he danced like fellow baldie Peter Garrett).
The boys followed with 'The Spike’ from their new LP, and when the groove of 'Freedom Fighters’ filled the venue all three albums had been represented. Harvey was in fine form all night and thanked the crowd with a simple 'nice one, cheers' at the conclusion of just about every song.
The sound was amazing and only lulled during some of the newer tracks that seemed to lack the youthful exuberance of their older ones. But in saying that 'Strength In Numbers’ – the opening single from their latest LP – went down a treat. And Harvey appeared visibility pleased by the crowds’ reaction.
But the classics from their debut LP still sit strides ahead of anything off their recent album. And this was highlighted through rambunctious renditions of 'Getaway’ and 'The People’. Finishing with their standard tribal drum combination in 'Bleed From Within’ the lads certainly showed they were back and the packed Roundhouse crowd aptly showed their appreciation.
Maybe every band should go into Rehab?
