Thursday, 24 January 2013

The Sound of the Future; a reflection on MTV's 'Brand New Gig'



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.

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