Colin MakIntyre + Red Light Company + This Love Affair + Pete Haywood @ Birmingham Barfly – 7th May
Being the largest of all the Barfly’s, the Birmingham venue (on this one of the warmest days of the year so far) boasted a welcome underground hub of which the outside sun could not penetrate. Unfortunately I arrived a little late, consequently missing the first support act of the evening Pete Haywood. But my mood was swiftly heightened thanks to Birmingham based band This Love Affair gracing the Barfly’s more than substantial stage.
Formed back in 2005 after the respective disbandment of the group’s previous bands, This Love Affair boast a surprisingly unique catalogue of catchy pop tunes. Highlights of their set include ‘She’s My Enemy’ and the bands own account of a love lost, ‘Turn The Page’. Both poses your standard pop song structure, but with added angles thanks to their explosive guitar riffs and brooding vocals.
Having been compared to established bands such as U2, the considerably younger members of This Love Affair hold a certain maturity to a sound of which they’ve grasped and made their own. You can download the bands recent EP via itunes or alternatively go and see them where they’ll quite happily give you one absolutely free.
Now. I know when reviewing you should at least try to be objective, but I can’t deny that tonight’s show was held unmistakably by outwardly cosmopolitan group, Red Light Company.
The 5 piece consisting of Richard Frenneaux (vox/guitar), Shawn Day (bass), James Griffiths (drums), Paul Mellon (guitar) and Chris Edmonds (keys) all hail from some very different parts of the world. And it certainly makes you wonder exactly how they all came together. Stretching from Australia to Japan, and from our beloved (by most, I think?) Birmingham to Bridgend, Red Light Company’s formation is a testament to the sound they have achieved.
After meeting Richard via the internet, bassist Shawn finally managed to pull together enough funds for his visa to be approved for entry into the UK. The rest of the band could then begin their very exciting journey as Red Light Company.
Having first seen the guys at the more moderate, but suitably stimulating Camden Barfly, my expectations were high. Current single ‘With Lights Out’ (telling the story of one of Richards childhood friends committing suicide and the sorrow involved) shocks the crowd, as Richard’s passionate vocals, Shawn’s lyrical bass and the brooding backing of chimes fabricate a sound of great proportion.
Vocally led track ‘Scheme Eugene’ sees front man Richard and keys player Chris melodically chant to each other, musing creatively about “the Broken Social Scene”. Whilst future anthem ‘Arts And Crafts’ combine graceful keys and positively emotive vocals to create a sound of which the venues walls quite possibly had never heard before.
The group finish somewhat aptly with an epic last song of great valour. ‘When Everyone Is Everybody Else’ really gives the seemingly mounting crowd something to adhere to. Led initially by bassist Shawn, the chorus of guitars and Richard’s shaky and emotive vocals combine to create an awe-inspiring few minutes. But just before they are about to end the Barfly goes silent and Richard takes the crowds gazes with a few simple, but poignant lines of vocals.
With Red Light Company’s set sadly over I go to have a quick chat with front man Richard Frenneaux.
Having travelled round a lot, I was curious as to what Richard thought of Birmingham. Expecting the worst I braced myself for a diplomatic answer. It turns out his parents actually live in Birmingham and in fact all 5 members of the band were kipping at his Mom and Dads that evening. Not very rock and roll I hear you say, but the band are clearly set on achieving great success no matter what. Richard’s belief in his bands music is seen when I ask him if he was looking forward to the up-coming Wolverhampton gig. His reply was “yes, but I’m not sure whether we’re headlining or not?” His answer gave me the distinct impression that at this stage he didn’t really care where the band played as long as there were people around to listen.
Having already produced an album (which release date is due sometime in autumn 2008) and playing venues where people are already beginning to sing along, Red Light Company can enjoy an exciting tour and look forward to success in the very near future.
After a lengthy, but deserved discussion on Red Light Company I feel I must interject and explore the headline act of the evening, Colin MacIntyre. The singer/songwriter was to me, unheard of, but obviously not to the majority of the audience who probably know him best from his previous outfit The Mull Historical Society.
Having been mistaken in the past for the actual Mull Historical Society (yes it does exist!) Mr MacIntyre, whose heritage lies within the Scottish island of Mull, embraces the name change. But Colin makes it crystal clear that the name change is the only residual difference and his ability to write critically acclaimed songs continues to reign.
Colin doesn’t seem to have the same stage presence as his previous support acts, but he does un-doubtedly deliver some beautiful and melodic songs suitably apt for the summer sun shining outside. With help from his fellow musicians taking to the keyboard, drums and bass, his acoustically led set certainly improves as the night progresses. The musicianship is clear and his talent more than apparent. Although I can’t deny that the crowd did slightly diminish as the evening was coming to a close.
Perhaps Colin MacIntyre would best be suited at one of our many summer festivals such as the Isle of Wight, where his performance would possibly be enhanced by the beating sun, a freshly lit BBQ and an ice cold beer.
Tonight Red Light Company undoubtedly stole the show. And with an up-coming Glastonbury performance you’ll definitely be hearing a lot more from the 5-piece.
Colin MakIntyre plays a Brighton on the 26th May, whilst Red Light Company play a headline slot at the Wolverhampton Civic on the 15th May.
Review – Frazer Lawton
Photos – Tom Horton