When you’ve seen a band several times already, no matter how
good they are, it is easy to question your decision to purchase yet another
ticket for a gig. (Especially if you have an imminent holiday in the diary and
money is about as secure in your hands as water in a colander…)
There was no doubt in my mind that The Gaslight Anthem’s show
at Troxy would be good, but having seen them before and knowing I’d see
them again, logic and my bank balance were telling me to sit this one out. Luckily
common sense prevailed, tickets were purchased and on Saturday I found myself in
their presence once again.
I had never been to Troxy before and had no idea what to
expect from the venue. The carpet and lighting are a little reminiscent of a
Vegas casino (anyone who has been to Vegas will know that is simultaneously a
compliment and an insult), but there was minimal queuing for the bar or toilets
and a great view from about halfway back. So no complaints there. Plus the minimal stage setup and understated spotlights created a much more intimate feel than you would usually find at a venue of this size.
If I’m honest I
think I enjoyed this gig even more than the one at Brixton Academy that I gave
a rave review of back in October. Largely because the crowd felt so much more
fitting this time, not being entirely made up of Radio 1 listeners, something I’m genuinely
thrilled about. The general masses have spoiled so many things for the
rest of us (Converse, Biffy Clyro, music festivals in general…), and I'm not
ready to give them Brian Fallon too.
I’ll admit this was a slightly hazy evening by the end,
for which I won’t even apologise on account of it being a bank holiday. Luckily a
little assistance from Setlist fm reminded me that the setlist was fantastic. It was a
little lighter on Handwritten than last time and heavier on 59 Sound, but all
in all a good balance with an encore that included Mulholland Drive, Here's Looking at You, Kid and Backseat.
I won’t go into detail about the band’s sound and history as
I’ve said it all before (and you can read it here) but I will say once again that
The Gaslight Anthem played a great set, kept the crowd entertained all night, and
proved to me exactly why they will always, always
be worth the price of a ticket.
No comments
Post a Comment