26 October 2011 (gig)
28 October 2011
If you are being touted as one of the most exciting new live bands around, it can be hard to match the hype. For Brother & Bones, it seems that is proving less tricky than for some. Tonight it is just lead singer Rich Thomas and his guitar as the first support act for Ben Howard. Therefore the Scala isn’t yet full and many of those already inside are far more interested in chatting about their work day or signing into facebook on their mobile.
It is at this sort of occasion that sympathy for bands and singers is at its most, because if it was me on that stage I would expect more respect. Still, Thomas seems used to this lifelong irritation of mine. Without his full band around him, you might imagine Thomas might feel more vulnerable, but it doesn’t seem so. He even handles a dodgy guitar peddle moment with relaxed aplomb.
Gifted with a rock voice that sounds right out of the 1970s, Thomas starts quietly but slowly builds a momentum over the six tracks played. Generating the drum beats by hitting his acoustic guitar and stamping his foot, Here Comes The Storm displays a fantastic vocal range and suddenly many of those chattering away in the background are transfixed by the stage. Then they are rewarded with a fine rendition of the single from earlier this year, the excellent Don’t Forget To Pray.
Excluded strangely is the forthcoming single Hold Me Like the Sun, which is a shame, as it would have been interesting to hear an acoustic take on the impressive harmonies and heavy rhythm and guitar. Based on this solo performance it is hard to know whether Brother & Bones justify their hype but watching Rich Thomas tonight, it makes me want to find out.
