Another day, another gig, and last night’s gig was at Bristol’s Marble Factory for Australia’s popular beat combo outfit Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever. Having bumped into an old friend at a recent BC Camplight show at the Trinity Centre, I managed to avoid being Billy Nomates at this one by going with him and oh what fun we had.
RBCF are a high energy band and it seemed to us that they were a touch lacking energy. That’s not to say they weren’t putting in an excellent effort, they just sounded and looked as though they were in the middle of a long and punishing tour, which of course they are. Loads of travelling, an all action 85/90 minute set, and it’s hard not to sound and look a little off your best.
While we’re at it, the PA system was muddy throughout and the absence of 1:1 guitar techs can be felt, as it was early on when some of the leads were slightly out of tune. Them’s the negatives, now the positives.
They’re a great rock and roll band with good tunes. Three guitars, a bass and a drummer is bound to give a full sound and it does. They’re good musicians and as a band they’re as tight as a duck’s arse. For a couple of coppers north of £17, it was money well spent. Here’s the setlist.
For a couple of coppers under £100, Bristol has an outdoor gig tonight: The Killers are playing at Ashton Gate, supported by the Manic Street Preachers. It hasn’t sold out yet which I find a little surprising, although Brandon Flowers’ band did peak creatively some years ago and perhaps so did their popularity. Maybe the band is aware of the dangers of becoming another touring jukebox because recent setlists suggest they are running through their biggest hits like Somebody Told Me, When We Were Young and Mr Brightside before the set is halfway through. Given the depth of their back catalogue, it shouldn’t be a problem. However, an evening at which the temperature will bottom out a 14c, warm clothing will be at a premium.
As for the Manics, expect a Radio 2 setlist of their biggest hits* when they warm up for the band who (controversial opinion coming up) should be supporting them.
I can’t ever see RBCF ever playing football stadia but my God they’re good enough. if anything, they’re material can be a little one (fast) paced but on their day they’re a match for most bands out there. For last night, a solid 7.5 out of 10.
*Thanks Stuart
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