Later.. Returns
Last night marked the return of one of the longest running live
music programmes. With its 45th
year, Later has rocked up some mileage and still remains relevant and
consistent with then new and established artists it showcases.
Last night’s edition was no different with its stellar line
up across the music spectrum. On the
show was new acts FKA Twigs, Jungle, Vance Joy.
This week also showcased elder statesmen including O'jays and Ryan Adams
along with former Mercury Prize Winners Alt-J.
Leeds Rock trio Alt J opened the show with new bluesy soul cut ‘Left hand
Free’ from their expansive follow up album to An Awesome Wave a confident opening
statement. There was clearly a Black Keys influence on there but their best
song was to come later.
West London production duo Jungle were up next and were
probably the most disappointing of the acts to appear. I am a fan of Jungle
funky soul throwback sound but ‘Busy Earnin’ felt a bit flat sounded much
better on their debut, and the choreography was a tad cheesy more work to
improve their live sound and presence needed I think although their sound might
be more suited to a festival rather a small studio.
Classic US R&B group O’jays were a breath of fresh air
with their ‘Love Train’ some of the best close harmonies on show here and the
dancing wasn’t too bad either.The fact they have been together more than 50
years says how solid they are as a band. Its quite some achievement.
Canadian rocker Ryan Adams has been heavily criticized in
some quarters of the music press who state that his new material is very like
his close namesake Bryan Adams which is a little unfair of how he is now on his
fourteenth album and through each album he has progressed musically. However
the track he performed ‘Give Me Something Good’ sounded a bit like Bon Jovi and
therefore a bit dated his musicianship is still something to admire though.
Then came the treat of the evening from new electro singer
songwriter FKA Twigs with a spellbinding performance of ‘Two Weeks’. There are
no shortage of female singer-songwriters with their icy vocals and electro
production but where she stands on her own is how FKA Twigs is in total command
of her performance and artistic identity. With her phenomenal vocal range and
her stunning performance she is good shout for this year’s Mercury music prize.
Another suprising low key yet engrossing performance followed with
Melbourne Singer Songwriter Vance Joy with his indie pop hit ‘Riptide’. The track has been on
the radio for some time and is one of those songs that you constantly hum with
its perfect hooks and consistent melody. It was a shame Banks couldn’t make it
although maybe one more icy vocal would have been a step too far.
Alt J ended the show with the slightly unsettling erotic ‘Every Little Freckle’
which is another classic to add to their already full roster of ace tunes.
Starting off with low key instrumentation building to a choral accompaniment and then back to
its intoxicating mix of sounds and textures its blindingly ace and provides an
appetizing taste of what is to come when I see them live.
That concludes another packed half hour of Later, despite the mannerisms
of its host still one of the best music programs around.
Last nights episode still available on BBC I Player.
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