Hurts + Performance @ HMV Institute, Birmingham – 7th October 2010
Upon entering within sight of the venue, it became apparent of the massive queue that accompanied tonight’s concert, with this added to the fact that this show had been upgraded to the main room tonight showing the following that Hurts are beginning to grasp.
Certainly, this is actually a very mixed crowd by tonight’s observations most probably due to their links in particular to Kylie Minogue but also the promise of something fresh, that maybe hasn’t been done before, to younger fans.
For tonight the opening is left to (we are) Performance, who not only having a weird name, also operate with a sense of awkwardness but confidence. I’m afraid to say that I found the lead singer all a bit too cocky for my liking, however much the futuristic visuals aided the performance. Also, due to the fact that they used an electric drum-kit led to the sound being all a bit mashed up without much clarity or depth.
Hurts were absolutely wonderful. Opening with Unspoken, it become immediately apparent of the absolute power and depth that the band, aided with extra drums, keyboard and opera singer, can create. The ability with which Hurts can draw you in, you feel encapsulated within the music in such a wonderful way.
Leading their way through the majority, of which is unbelievable their debut album, each song was thrilling and a pleasure to listen to. Adding song’s like Verona, allowing the opera singer to have his moment of absolute wisdom and glory, and also a Kylie cover in the form of Confide in Me allows for them to show different material and also get more stage time.
In terms of visual performance, the lighting complemented the songs excellently and added to the power that was shown, if only the poor point being the fact that sometime’s Theo Hutchcraf’s movements can sometimes feel a bit like a dad at the disco. Also the fact that everyone in the venue expected an encore of which we were all left disappointed, and to me I personally felt like I wanted a final goodbye. That gets overshadowed totally, by the brilliance and ability to enrapture the audience’s attention. Wonderful.
Set List:
Unspoken
Silver Lining
Wonderful Life
Happiness
Blood, Tears & Gold
Evelyn
Sunday
Verona
Devotion
Confide In Me
Stay
Illuminated
Better Than Love
Reviewer: Dan Earl
Photographer: Ian Dunn