Explosions at The Sage

So it's time for a bit post-rock at The Sage in Gateshead as Explosions in the Sky bring their Texan sounds to the North East.

First up was a one-man band going under the name of Entrance, something sadly he failed to do as he wandered on to stage. Interesting voice, at least initially, but it soon became a bit monotonous as the songs failed to find any direction and simply meandered in to a finish. The set was greeted with polite applause as it quickly came to an end.

After a short break, spent fruitlessly trying to get a drink at the crowded bar, Explosions in the Sky took the stage. A few words of hello and off we go as they launch in to opening song Wilderness. In fact latest album The Wilderness accounts for most of tonights setlist, with little, no lets be accurate here, NO audience interaction. All the songs played tonight were set up to meld in to one another and it turned out to be a pretty intense experience. A few older songs turned up meshed in with the wall of sound coming from the stage.

“The Only Moment We Were Alone” provides that one big moment of quiet, quiet, quiet, LOUD that you expect from post-rock.

You can see the influence of working on soundtracks has had on the band and the presentation of the show, the lighting was central to the performance with some impressive moments as the stage was permanently covered in dry ice and effects. The lighting often forming a barrier between band and audience. This was more of a visual treat than an aural one!

Although I really enjoyed the gig there were no highlights, no 'wow' moment and even a couple of days later memory of it is fading - though that might be an age thing!

The Machine Stops at The Sage

Hawkwind returning to form with a new album and a classic show at the Sage on 18th April 2016.

No support act or onstage dancers/theatrics but a much improved lightshow from last time I saw them and a much better sound, though that's probably down to the excellent acoustics in The Sage.

With a set list that relied heavily on the new album, The Machine Stops, which is based around EP Forster’s dystopian classic,  the band have not sounded this good since their Space Ritual pomp as they take you into their own unique world.

The music they play tonight is mesmerising. Their new bassist is a great find and does all those great Lemmy style bass runs that were so key to the band’s Space Ritual era. Some of the songs stretch out in to long, 10 minute jams, ever changing and evolving with Dave Brock's churning rhyming rhythm guitar at the heart and soul of this performance.

Hawkind 2016 sound like they are on a mission and for a set that is new song heavy and has rare moments of old material like a pulsating Orgone Acculamator and encores, You better Believe It and Silver Machine, this was a very well received playlist from a band that is still pushing the boundaries as well as sounding fresh and relevant.

EM Forsters cult classic is available as a free download if anyone wants an alternative vision of the future!

Lanterns on the Lake

This February brought a very, very special gig. Locals, Lanterns on the Lake performing at The Sage with the Royal Northern Sinfonia.

Before heading to the gig I was to be treated to a birthday meal at River Beat where the food was fabulous, being served in 2 separate platters of a sharing tapas.

On to The Sage and first on stage was Ditte Elly, a voice that was wistful and aching, but far to close to Hazel Wildes to really stand out. Still I'm sure she'll go far.

After a short interval it was time for the main event. The orchestra were already in place when we returned to the hall and a few moments later on trouped the band. Opening strongly with 'Of Dust and Matter' they were on fine form. Playing tracks from new album Beings as well as raiding the back catalogue for some well chosen older songs. You can see the full setlist here.

A real highlight was a wonderful version of Lungs Quicken from debut album Gracious Tide Take Me Home - my personal favourite. Unfortunately pretty much for the entire gig, the guitar was lost in the mix, although it didn't spoil the evening with the Royal Northern Sinfonia providing a real depth of sound.

Like all the best gigs it was over to soon and we wandered on to the concourse to meet up with Lani and Pete. It was quite a surprise to see Simon Raymonde (ex Cocteau Twin) doing a DJ set, We didn't stay to hear his choice of music, instead heading out in to the cold air to grab a couple of drinks before heading home. Little did I realise we'd be visiting a 'secret' bar hidden underneath Bierrex and be sampling a few choice cocktails finally getting home sometime after 2am! A rather good night out.