Hyde and Beast, Ian West, 2011
Allow me to set the scene – the Cluny, a Sunday night (it’s all about Sundays) and the crème da la crème of Wearside’s music talent are out in force to support their fellow ‘fellas’ ; Hyde and Beast. As well as Tyneside’s Let’s Buy Happiness and adopted Geordie Hattie Murdoch.
You kind of felt like you’d walked into a party where everyone knew each other; not just a gig where there are a handful of familiar faces but for the most part, the rest of the crowd are strangers to one another. This was like ‘Hi, Hi, eee Hiya’ every five minutes. But like in a dead good way.
Hattie was first up and she really didn’t disappoint. This is a young woman who has a lot of talent, looks great and communicates with the room – both as she plays and as she talks. She has a strong singing voice and great stage presence. With all the right ingredients she is clearly gearing up for massive success, bonne chance Hattie.
Let’s Buy Happiness were next up and to say I was bowled over would be an under-statement. I’ve heard a lot about these guys but have never actually had the pleasure of seeing them live, until now. Or last night. Now = last night.
For a start, this five-piece look class. They have the look and style of a super slick successful band. Sarah, the front woman, is a rarity – her vocal talent is astounding. Her voice is completely flawless, a little bit Regina Spektor, a touch of Florence, she owned the mic. If she’d had a double vodka and stage presence beforehand she would have been even better. Maybe her voice called for a touch more flamboyance in her moves; the crowd would have gone mad if she’d gone totes Florence on us. Regardless though, this lass can sing. I can’t even think of an adjective or analogy that would do justice to it so just try and make one of their gigs, yeah. Mark, James, James again and Graeme and the instruments ensured my ears were well looked after. Guys – you got me hot under the collar. Sold.
And now for Hyde and Beast. I have a confession – as they were setting up on stage I turned to my friend and said, as I fully expected them to be, ‘If they’re boring we’ll just listen to a couple and then do one.’ They were ANYTHING but boring. Well not anything, cos’ that could mean bad stuff, they were ANYTHING JUST NOT BAD STUFF but boring. They were totally, totally mint. I was doing my gig dance from start to finish (simple really, just nodding and kinda swaying). With some serious musical credibility to their names already Dave Hyde (Futureheads) and Neil Bassett (Golden Virgins) had me at ‘Oooh.’ There were a lot of ‘Ooohs’. At one point mind and I did think ‘If I hear another Ooh I might Boo.’ They were joined by a further four band members, including John C Reilly the American actor and Dave Grohl. It later transpired these two weren’t actually these two at all just two local lads bearing more than a slight resemblance. And so they began. Not dissimilar to what you might hear at a barn dance but like a totes mega barn dance that’s really cool. Hyde and Beast are genre defining. They broke the mould. Best bit – they were enjoying themselves and not taking themselves too seriously. John C Reilly, or Stephen Angus as he is otherwise known, was the one to watch. Like literally – myself and my party were quite mesmerised by him. He looks happy and that’s a great thing. With this lot, it seems their talent knows no bounds. It was tight. They got us involved with a ‘clap, click, clap’ thing at the end and when a crowd are more than happy to oblige you know they’re really enjoying themselves - which we were. Hyde and Beast seemed to have nonchalance about them as well, as if they were happy to share what they were doing but if we didn’t like it then ‘so what?’ They’re making music for themselves. It was great. I’m looking forward to seeing them again. Bravo.
