The four albums are superb, it is true, but if you really want to understand what they are all about, you HAVE to see them live. I was open mouthed in awe and wonder when I saw them on TV at Glastonbury and jumped at the chance of a ticket to see them at my local venue. This was before the Mercury Prize which sold the place out shortly afterwards. I have to say it was one of the best “feel good” gigs I’ve been to in ages. The band just seemed so happy, smiling all the way through the set. The general feeling of bonhomie even extended to the joyful backing singers/string section who were introduced individually.
Guy Garvey really engages with the audience in a way most front men simply can’t or won’t. There was none of the usual rock and roll histrionics shouting and screaming “Come on Leicesteeeer, we can’t hear you!”. Instead, there was two way conversation. He was chatting with the audience like we were his best mates. There was also his wicked sense of humour. At one point he read out a note from a chap in the balcony, saying he wanted to ask his girlfriend something during the next song. When the band finished, he asked if she’d said yes. She had. "Thank screw for that", say’s Guy, then with a wry smile, launched into Grounds for Divorce.
All in all, the best £20 I’ve spent in ages. If you get the chance, see them now before they graduate to arenas and stadiums and the magic starts to fade.