It’s a Monday morning. I’m sure you can all understand my
excitement. Just like the rest of you, I’ve had a pretty good weekend, I’ve
enjoyed the snow, I’ve even earned a bit of cash. And then it’s a new week.
*Groan*. But then an email arrives, and everything is great again.
As a student, I think we can all agree that there is nothing
better than getting something for free, and this dull Monday morning was no
different. Two free tickets to see The Vaccines, with support from Kodaline and
Tom Odell. Pleasure!
And what a gig! I love hearing new music, seeing how bands
can make themselves stand-out from the multitude of monotonous, ear-bleeding,
cringe that makes up the majority of the music industry at the moment. 2013
will be a good year though if talent like this keeps making its way to the
limelight.
First, Kodaline. They sailed over from the Emerald Isle with
a delectable assortment of musical treats. When you see a banjo with a harmonica
attached, you know you’re in for a treat. They didn’t fail to impress. Reminiscent
of Mumford & Sons, the band lulled the audience into a euphoric state. If
you aren’t a fan of folk music, don’t be put off. Whilst the set had the Irish
folk undertone, it had drive that would bring a smile to the face of the most
avid metal-head. They currently have a single out on spotify, with an album on
the way for later this year. Likewise, check out their live performance on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZgOPglF9ko
Second, Tom Odell. He’s previously been described as a
singer-songwriter, but I don’t think this label gives him justice. Don’t get me
wrong, I’m a big fan of the singer-songwriter, but I have never seen one with
such energy. Firstly, he’s a pianist and not a guitarist, which is bizarre in
itself for the genre. Secondly, he is literally all over that piano. There is
no instance in which he’s still. A twenty-first century entertainer at its
peak, Odell commanded the attention of the audience straight away, when
realising the lights were wrong he faced the audience and whispered ‘Red’.
Totally absorbed with his dynamic and changing style, we had no opportunity to
become used to him. His anthemic song ‘Can’t Pretend’ – see spotify for this
and the rest of his first single – showed off his current status as an up and
coming artist and the bright future ahead of him.
I look forward to 2013. I look forward to miserable Mondays as
a result of the light that shines at the end of an all-too-similar tunnel of
songs about sex, drugs and lovely tasting refreshments. I look forward to sharing it all with you. Plug in,
enjoy that revitalising sound, and spread the word.
