Ben Marwood opens up tonight’s event to
the best of his ability. The main thing for Ben’s
set is that its ram packed full of humour; some
of the songs are quite funny and catchy along
with his little stories and side notes that are
also quite humorous its a nice little set. “Sing
Along” was the best song from this set,
completely sold out show of over 200 people and
he had every single one of them singing along
tremendous. However the song he finished with
was “Tell Avril Lavine I Didn’t Want
To Be Her Stupid Boyfriend Anyway” and it
was quite depressing, I think Ben should have
definitely finished with “Sing Along”
as it would have left an explosive imprint and
a good way to leave a crowd; maybe next time he
should consider that one but a terrific set either
way.
Franz Nicolay is up second and at first
nobody really knows how to take him. Striding
on stage in a waistcoat and hat with an accordion
is going to really confuse a few people; the banjo
doesn’t help either. All I can think of
is that his voice reminds me of the actor Nathan
Lane the way he tells his stories and interacts
with the crowd. The majority of his set is him
telling little stories and experiences in his
life; he does a couple acoustic songs, couple
banjo songs and a couple of accordion songs before
his set is done. It wasn’t the best set
in the world but it was pretty entertaining but
people would not be quiet! This went through the
support band as well, acoustic concerts are nowhere
near as loud as normal concerts so to pay 15 quid
to come in and have a conversation not allowing
anyone else to hear the acts either? Stay at home
you do my head in. Overall nice set but it wasn’t
the best.
Frank Turner hits the stage and finally
everyone stops talking and instead everyone in
the hot sweaty room uses all the air in their
lungs to sing along. Every song with the exception
of 2 new ones that he plays had 100% audience
participation to the point where he didn’t
even sing his last song because he didn’t
need to. Even though finally the guy they came
to see is onstage playing music people still get
drunk and cause problems which is the most annoying
thing when they’re already blocking your
view then start fucking around. Nevertheless he
smashes an hour and 45 minute set of some amazing
tracks and all I’ve got to say is the man
is very opinionated and passionate about his beliefs
which are probably what make him such a successful
songwriter. The set is a long one full of energy
and atmosphere which I never thought possible
with an acoustic set! Exceeded expectations by
miles and I thoroughly enjoyed myself I would
love to see what he’s like with a backing
band and hopefully I’ll get that chance
later this year!
Ben Marwood – 4/5
Franz Nicolay – 3/5
Frank Turner – 5/5
Review By James Webb
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