Little Man Tate + The Lines @ Birmingham Bar Academy – 8th September 2008
Coming from Wolverhampton I’d obviously heard of The Lines
, but somehow I’d never actually got around to seeing them, not even by accident. Well, tonight put an end to that when I realised they were supporting Little Man Tate for their September ‘B Sides the A Sides’ tour dates. I have to say I was intrigued, I know plenty of people who really rate The Lines so it was about time I saw what the fuss is about. They seem like really charming lads but coming on stage to the Happy Mondays’ ‘Step On’ seemed really risky; I mean, how’re you gonna follow that kind of funk? Happily, The Lines gave it their all and immediately created a lovely shouty-louty atmosphere with opening number ‘Tracy’, which got fans bobbing around down the front (I’m guessing they’re also Wolves supporters judging by their expert chanting skills).
A couple of the songs smacked of other artists, I heard the Arctics, Kasabian and even a bit of U2 in the mix, and front Line Alex sounds a touch like Richard Ashcroft, although I could have been listening a bit too hard. The last couple of tracks ‘No More No Less’ and ‘Loudmouth’ were my favourites simply because they showed total originality and had more of an epic feel.
I’m really glad I finally got around to seeing The Lines before they start headlining which must only be a matter of time. They perfectly complimented the sounds of Little Man Tate and got the packed, sweaty crowd whipped up just nicely.
It wouldn’t be unfair to say that Little Man Tate took off from where The Lines ended. The atmosphere continued and the room got hotter and sweatier, and I couldn’t see much apart from a mass of arms, bobbing heads and sweaty torsos. Opening with crowd favourite ‘Man I Hate Your Band’, Little Man Tate put all their cards on the table and showed us what was to be in store for the next hour and a half. They claim, loudly, to be ‘the best that Sheffield’s ever had’, a bold statement for a band that acknowledges that it has to struggle to stay out of the shadow of other greats such as Pulp, the Arctics, gravely-voiced legend Joe Cocker and, er, the Human League. No doubt they have catchy tunes and clever lyrics, which take the mundane and cram them full of trademark northern charm; ‘And it would’ve been all right, if she hadn’t stayed the night, or she’d thought about the morning after pill’.
Front man Jon was plagued with monitor trouble and apologised a couple of times throughout the set but actually his vocals were really clear and tuneful and there was plenty of cheeky banter to keep everyone amused. Kerrang’s Emma Scott is definitely a girl to admire and the evening had her name above the door but her vocal input on new single ‘Hey Little Sweetie’ was not a highlight. She was well received and rightly so, and who wouldn’t love the chance to get on stage with a band you love? However I was glad when the track was over, she sounded like me when I’m in the shower!
The set, as you can imagine, was a nice mix of singles and rarities. I was glad to hear their first single ‘The Agent’ towards the end of the set as well more radio-friendly hits such as ‘Sexy in Latin’, which is my personal favourite.
There was a decent encore and despite the heat the audience couldn’t get enough. Emma Scott bounced back up on stage, this time to get the crowd going even more with chants and cheers. Now apparently, Scruffy Murphy’s, a pub probably known to us all, reminded Jon of a pub is Sheffield called the Fox and Duck (a nice intro to ‘Teenager’, which features said boozer ) and as a result we were all invited there afterwards for a pint. I don’t know how many of the crowd actually went along, but they must have had good takings behind the bar.
Setlist:
Man I Hate Your Band
Hello Miss Lovely
Saved By A Chat Show
Trouble With Detox
Hey Little Sweetie
75
You And Me Might Be Alright You Know
She’s become So Special
Sexy In Latin
Just Can’t Take It
What Your Boyfriend Said
Self-Appreciation Club
Young Offenders
Teenager
House Party at Boothy’s
Review – Angela Slater
Photos – Ian Dunn