Signature of the times
WHEN four bands come under one roof and one banner for the sake of music in all its glory, something special is inevitably going to happen.
Furlo, fresh out of the studio with new EP Signature, are on the warpath with a new arsenal that could well see them next past the victory post.
And with a little help from friends The Q, Colenso Parade and Pretty Child Backfire each took away a section of the crowd and hype this past Saturday.
Pretty Child Backfire in particular have leaped and bounded since their none-too-long-ago arrival and a relentless bit of gigging over the Christmas break while everyone else took a break has their set tightened to near snapping point.
There's an inherent catchiness to the likes of Dancing By Numbers with its familiar yet distinctive riff and in And All The Things Said In The Twilight they continue their indie onslaught with a similar tint.
Although undertaking a relatively short set, Mark McAllister and his band of merry men have their gameplan firmly laid out before them and know exactly where they're going and how to get there.
Colenso Parade, back to the G Sessions after more than two years, too have found their feet of late and are regarded among the higher echelons of power as ones to watch for the incoming year.
And on tonight's evidence there's certainly a fair bit to admire. From the off, they delve in head first with gusto and unashamed love for their craft. They've come to impress.
With indie charm dripping from their very clothes, CP employ a style not dis-similar to Derry's funksters Skruff, while adding their own unique tinge to the colourful proceedings.
Stand out track has to be Better Off with its true to life tale of hardship while Smile is a Smith's infected rambling of the finer side of love.
There's an ever present tounge in cheek attitude from the Omagh boys and while the singing isn't always pitch perfect they're forgiven when their overall musicianship, songwrititng and charm win through.
The Q follow, delivering a now trademark performance that's converting more and more with every passing week and rising them quickly through the ranks.
Getting the crowd in on the act early on Paul has them eating from the palm of his hand within minutes, bouncing round the stage like it was his bedroom.
As a band, their transformation over the last year has been nothing short of inspiring as all five, with new drummer Daniel, have re-connected through their love of music.
And when we hear the likes of a re-vamped Magpie early on there's little to fault, nor is there in the psychedelic glory of Radio - a tune so infectious even its extended running time will still leave you wanting more.
There's a hope that this could be their year and you'd be hard pushed to disagree. They're lean, mean and ready to take on the world.
Tonight's EP launchers Furlo are the reason the venue is packed out however and that new material, Signature, is as mature and accomplished as we've heard them yet. And on the night, they too have the crowd in their grasp.
Their particular blend of electro indie has always stood just left of the masses and with new material they've added meat to the bones of otherwise accomplished tracks.
Cruelest Friends for example is lifted high above any of its previous incarnations with a thicker, more rounded sound bolstered with McGee on keys coupled with a slight change in direction from the others.
Everett has more help from his cohorts as regards backing vocals which too adds a more professional and confident feel and through the likes of Eyelash, this reviewers favourite new track, that energy is channeled in all the right directions.
It leaves only roof raising renditions of Tell Computer and Logic Too Late to make everyone leave smiling safe in the knowledge that Furlo will return with bigger and better tunes in due time.
In the meantime, if you haven't already, get Signature now!
www.myspace.com/furlothemusic
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Weather for Belfast
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 10 C to 21 C
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