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stuartpgardner.com Electric Soft Parade played the free before 9 Indie Club at the Cavern Club last night. Played some new songs for the very first time (click link for more photos) Setlist: Friday B4 Christmas, Things I’ve Done Before, Biting The Soles Of My Feet, A Beating Heart, Cold World, Secrets, Lose Yr Frown, Misunderstanding, If That’s The Case, Everybody Wants. 3rd: Preston - 53 Degrees musicscramble.co.uk The support band were a group from Dundee called The Hazey Janes, who I enjoyed very much. They are definitely worth looking out for, and sit well within my tastes so that was a good start for my evening. The ESP arrived on stage soon after and played an excellent set - the most of which was from a new, as yet unreleased, album. The new material is impressive, and the older songs I knew sounded as good as ever. It was bizarre seeing them after such a long hiatus, but really good. Near the end of the gig I went to the merchandising stall and bought their recent EP. Not long after they had finished one of the security guards asked me if I wanted to get the CD signed, took it from me and went off in search of the band. He came back quickly afterward and invited me backstage - I sat and had a chat with the band, talking about old times, previous gigs, them being dropped by their record label and why, and also the naming of their second album and why a road-sign just outside Nottingham reminds me of it; it turns out that’s the same road-sign they named that album after!!
mattwilson07.blogspot.com One of the bands that I was introduced to several years back by the Global Pop Conspiracy. This was an acoustic set in a small pub/restaurant in Glasgow’s West End. I love the idea of an acoustic show, but for some reason there is always a group of people in the crowd that just loves to talk and annoy others around them. Why are these people even there if not to hear the band? Anyway, the set was still fantastic and looking forward to seeing them again soon (but perhaps plugged in this time!)  calenaldion.livejournal.com Electric Soft Parade on Friday at Tunnels. I'd seen them before when the crowd was much bigger. I am led to believe that their ticket-guy messed up so the audience was really small for this one, but they were still good. Plus I finally got to buy their last E.P., which is great. A quirky kind of rock? Maybe.
egigs.co.uk After the quality of the support acts, tonight's main event had a lot to live up to. The Electric Soft Parade are up to the job though. Seemingly having been around for years, yet still criminally underrated, this is a band who know they have to work hard. 'Cold World' is a piece of classic piano led pop, which makes me yearn for the long hot days of summer yet again, as this is a song seemingly written to be sang around a field, as opposed to in an upstairs bar in Newcastle. They have not, however, forgotten their electro-rock roots, with 'Start Again' being as blistering as ever, and gets the feet tapping right at the back of the room. What always strikes me when watching ESP live is that they are clearly enjoying themselves. Thomas and Alex White provide the comedy anecdotes along with guitars and keyboards, and Math Priest and Matthew Thwaites pour so much energy into the drums and the bass guitar that it is a wonder the instruments make it through the show intact. Given the alleged 'New Rave Revolution', Electric Soft Parade could accidently provide an alternative to the scene setters, and prove indeed that it has all been done before, and may I say it, just a tiny bit better, as is proven by the simply fantastic 'There's A Silence', which stands out even in this excellent set.
blog.myspace.com/TheVictoriaLucas Tour Diary (Night & Day supporting ESP) These guys were really really nice to us and it was a good first response to how nice everyone in England is. As the band took to the stage I heard Alex singing a couple of lines from a great single called How The Web Was Woven, by Jackie Lomax. This only added to the respect and affection I have for the band, as it was vastly under-rated and under-appreciated by the general public on it's release, just as ESP are these days, although surely not for much longer if the gig was anything to go by. The familiarity of older favourites always guarantees enthusiasm and attention, but the new songs played by the band were evidence of their development and self-belief, and for me the quality and craftsmanship never wavered from the opening instrumental to the final chords of an excellent set. The band continue to fuse together hard riffs, soaring psychedelic melodies and wonderfully pure pop tunes within the framework of their songs, as evidenced on the Human Body ep, the constant playing of which fills me with eager anticipation for the forthcoming album. I hope 2007 brings them the success and happiness they would wish for themselves, and look forward to the album and hopefully further live performances before too long. Manchester Music review by Cath So how many people still care about Electric Soft Parade, or are even aware that they’re still around, to come out on a Monday night? After a promising start to their career and a BMG contract when they were still in their teens, it was an all too familar tale of major label apathy when they failed to instantly become the biggest band in the world. These days Tom and Alex White are better known in some circles as half of Brakes, especially amongst the “cool” press tastemakers, but with a single on credible indie Truck Records and this tour of decent little music fans’ venues this is almost a new start for ESP, a second crack of the whip - and they’re still as young as many of the hottest bands on their first. Reports that the previous night’s Liverpool fixture was rather sparsely attended and a reminder bulletin from Night & Day in the afternoon might have raised concerns, but in truth they’re unfounded. It’s packed, and the band seem almost surprised. Starting off with a spacey instrumental the Whites are soon getting into the friendly banter that’ll punctuate their set. One wants some “more vocals in the wedge”; the other shrugs that “you’ve not even sung yet”. Later Tom’s complaint about a buzzing noise cuts no ice with his brother - “turn your tuner off, you silly cunt!” It’a a sign of the band’s renewed confidence that “Biting The Soles Of My Feet”, the sun-drenched Teenage Fanclub-ish anthem full of blissed-out harmonies (that’s probably their best known song to anyone who’s largely watched them through the cider haze of the festivals where they’ve been warming up for their return), is tossed in just three songs into the set. Newer material from this year’s “Human Body” EP is plentiful and rather encouragingly shows real development in a variety of directions, from the towering Ride-meets-Arcade-Fire swell of “A Beating Heart” to the almost Beatlesy jaunt of “Cold World”, and there’s another new one later on whose widescreen passion alone should have it marked down as a possible single. Elsewhere there are enough well-loved favourites for the old-time fans, with “Silent To The Dark” prompting singalongs and beery man-hugs throughout the crowd, and by the end fans and band alike look like they’re having a great time. And this, in the end, is what’s important. Looking back, the post-Britpop era spawned a whole host of no-mark bands whose subsequent label dropping elicits precisely no sympathy from these quarters and most of them are indeed better off driving buses or whatever it is they ended up doing. But in their haste to spring-clean, the big corporations also disposed of a few gems - and like our own Puressence with their all-too-similar story, this band probably always deserved better than to be priority number 53 down below the boy-band solo projects and MOR reissues. chris-oconnor.com Electric Soft Parade were really good... they sung some oldies (Things I’ve Done Before, Empty At The End, Silent To The Dark) and lots of newies. Drumming provided by Mr Priest... excellent as ever. Have a look at some of the piccies I took (click the link) blog.myspace.com/etherboy Electric Soft Parade= first band i ever saw live and i got to see them again at last. still an ace live band + got to meet them afterwards, as you may know if you’ve looked at my photos recently - myspace.com/etherboy (log in to Myspace to see them and click on Pics) Manchester Evening News reviewed ESP and gave them 3 out of 5. LAST time I saw Electric Soft Parade, the then teenage-brothers from Brighton were wide-eyed and wet-behind the ears, radiating a kind of naïve energy that, despite the fact they hadn’t worked out their set-list and seemed somewhat overwhelmed to be headlining their own gig, lent their performance a nervous electricity and rawness that made for a great atmosphere and a memorable performance. A few years, another album and a collaborative project down the line, that endearing naivety has given way to a distinct air of cynicism, while the nervous energy has been replaced by Gallagher-esque nonchalance. In short, they’ve grown up. Addressing the three-quarters full venue, their manner is laid-back to say the least. ...they go on to talk about their technical problems but do say "new track Secrets is undoubtedly a grower". 11th: Sheffield - Plug (Neutral)
The small Water Rats theatre in London’s Kings Cross is quite simply packed. Maybe not totally sold out - but still very much on the busy side. Why? Because it’s a rare London gig from Brighton’s re-energised rockers Electric Soft Parade, that’s why. And yes, they’ve only gone and bagged two quite stunning support acts as well. First off who also hail from Brighton - the hotly tipped 4 piece Actress Hands, who in the absence of their usual drummer, feature Soft Parader Alex White on stick duties for the night. ‘Boys Need Jazz’ is a slow builder, featuring a climatic guitar freak out ending, ‘The Reducer’ comes across like a meaner Teenage Fanclub with intent, whilst new single ‘Half An Hour’ is one fast paced, guitar driven bastard of a rocker - in a similar vein as The Wedding Present. Effortlessly catchy chord progressions, some breezy vocal harmonies and most importantly some wondrous songs. Quite simply brilliant! With such a hard act to follow, you have to feel relatively sorry for The Hazey Janes. But to be fair, they don’t disappoint - with a set crammed full of country tinged power pop, like a less irritating version of The Magic Numbers with hints of early Delgados, complete with some lovely boy / girl vocals. When it works its damn near prefect, as on the sublime pop of ‘Don’t Look Away’ and ‘Fire In The Sky’, and they’re also joined onstage by Tom White of the Soft Parade to add his guitar stylings to their closing number. Someone mentioned they don’t have a record deal... if that’s the case then why the hell not?! By the time the Soft Parade amble onstage, they really do have to pull out all the stops for fear of being shown up by the two support acts - and its not often you can say that. The pressure is on. Things kick off with a new instrumental, the 6 minute psychedelia of ‘The Friday Before Christmas’, before pleasing the crowd with two old numbers - the rocking ‘Things I’ve Done Before’ and ‘Biting The Soles Of My Feet’, in which the guitar and vocal duties are shared by brothers Tom and Alex. By the time ‘Human Body EP’ tracks ‘A Beating Heart’ and ‘Cold World’ are dispatched, rock star shapes are being well and truly pulled by Tom White - and things are clearly going to plan. Alex White steps out from behind his keyboard to take over lead vocals and guitar for ‘Lose Yr Frown’, much to the delight of sections of the crowd who duly partake in some mosh pit action down the front - whilst being keenly egged on by bassist Matt Twaites. Throughout the night the band are clearly chuffed at the turnout, as Tom continually thanks everyone for bothering to come and see them. Opportunities are taken to also air a few new tracks - the best of an impressive bunch being the partially acoustic ‘Secrets’ - sung and played beautifully on acoustic guitar by Tom, and featuring some lovely harmony vocals and gentle keyboard backing by Alex. “Keep your feelings well hid / they will only get trodden on / there are secrets to keep / you don’t have to tell everyone”, as the spirit of Elliott Smith looms large. The set is finished off with the slow space orchestration of ‘Everybody Wants’, before the baying crowd urge the band triumphantly back on stage for an encore. “Do you want two new ones or two old ones?” asks Tom - which proves to be quite a silly question. Old it is then, and what a treat - two fan favourites from their debut album - ‘Red Balloon For Me’, which sounds as wonderful as ever, and finally they’re joined by their old keyboard player Steve Large for a roaring version of their 2001 debut single ‘Empty At The End’. Triumphant return to the capital? Most definitely - in quite epic proportions! Electric Soft Parade set: The Friday Before Christmas, Things I’ve Done Before, Biting The Soles Of My Feet, A Beating Heart, Cold World, Lose Yr Frown, Secrets, Misunderstanding, Silent To The Dark, If That’s The Case Then I Don’t Know, So Much Love, Everybody Wants, Red Balloon For Me, Empty At The End. Most bands might see being dropped by their major label as a cause for woe. But not Electric Soft Parade, as PlayLouder discovers when we catch the re-energised and and frantic Brightonians at the Water Rats. My last visit to an Electric Soft Parade concert was in a cavernous hall in Brighton. Each member of the band stood behind their own respective databank of guitars, synths and keyboards, almost as if they were imprisoned. Their performance was passionate and consummately professional, though the venue’s clinical atmosphere was always going to dampen even the most fervent delivery. So tonight they’re back to basics: four members, four instruments… but not before the sunshine melodies of Actress Hands, whose handy knack of cramming the guitar textures of Kevin Shields and the four-part harmonies of Teenage Fanclub into two-minute pop monsters brings an unexpected smile to everyone’s face. Hazey Janes follow up effort is just as enticing, combining the boy-girl harmonies and angst of early Delgadoes with a healthy dash of radio friendly country harmonies a la The Hormones (remember them?). It’s enough to make this dingy watering hole lighten, as if UV rays are somehow permeating the walls. As the headliners skip onto the stage, they can’t help but beam like a band refreshed. “This single got us dropped from BMG!” Alex White enthuses as they launch into ‘Lose Your Frown’, the verse given extra chug, the chorus extra bounce. Songs from the back catalogued like ‘Biting The Soles Of My Feet’ and ‘Silent To The Dark’ are played almost in anger, tarnished versions that are denser and more sinister - and therefore more exciting - prospects than the auto-pop recordings. ‘A Beating Heart’ and ‘Everybody Wants’, taken from the new, Truck-released ‘The Human Body EP’, are aired, sprawling whirlwinds of sound heady with faux strings and claustrophobic guitar thrashes. You can’t help but feel that this is the way Electric Soft Parade’s music should always have been presented, as dirty, guilty abominations of pop that make your innards contract and your neck crease up with joy. A new song, ‘Secrets’ goes from acoustic strum along to loping drone, with the White brothers chirping in perfect harmony atop it. It’s a contrast of styles that works perfectly. As the encore concludes with ‘Empty At The End’ it’s clear their love for straight up pop hasn’t diminished, but in a live setting it’s way more fun playing it hard and risky. With their third long player due early next year, you’re left praying that Electric Soft Parade will bully the charts a few more times. I've just gotten back from London, and my ears are still ringing from last nights gig. But I'm not complaining, as last night was truely one of the best ESP gigs I've been to in a long time. Yes, I am big ESP fan as you are probably are very well aware of, but last night was just one of those gigs that went absolutely perfectly, and I left the gig with a massive smile upon my face. We arrived @ The Water Rats to catch the end of Actress Hands set, (not before buying the new ESP split 7" with Actress Hands on t'other side for £3 and 3 fantasic badges for only £1) and then decided to get a drink before we went into the main room to watch The Hazey Janes - sounding a bit like Idlewild meets The Magic Numbers, and sounding quite summery. But they were enjoyable none the less... Just after 10 O'Clock, the moment we had all waited for had dawned upon us all. The room was really packed by now, and the boys took to the stage, kicking off the set with the new instrumental song - The Friday before Christmas... The set was fucking fantastic, with the boys playing a lot of older material - Things I've Done Before and Biting The Soles of My Feet with both the boys taking on vocal and guitar duties... They played songs from the Human Body - A Beating Heart and Cold World were both excellent, with Tom pulling rockstar shapes left right and centre... After Alex's stint on keyboards, he took over vocal and guitar duties for Lose Yr Frown, and then the boys proceeded to play some new unpublished material - the haunting melancholy of Secrets which saw Thomas playing on an acoustic, had psychedellic hints of the Flaming Lips and Mercury Rev. Fucking amazing song. One of the highlights of the evening though for me was Misunderstanding, a jangley sounding song, with a nice organ solo midway thru, then leading into a storming rendition of Silent to The Dark - complete with moshing from the enthusiastic crowd, that nearly ended up with people falling onto the stage, and then playing If That's The Case Then I don't know... They then played the 2 slower songs from The Human Body EP - So Much Love, and then Everybody Wants, before leaving the stage... The crowd were chanting for more, and the boys didn't disappoint - bringing out 2 of the big ESP guns - Red Balloon For me (I almost spaffed in my pants), and then playing for the first time in ages... Empty At The End - being joined by former ESP Keyboard player Steven Large. Which sounded fucking huge, the boys absolutely brimming with confidence... I couldn't have asked for a much better gig to be honest... and they didn't even play Bruxellisation... Post gig, I met up with Tom and Alex, who were both in a really good mood, and obviously chuffed @ one of the best gigs they have played lately and got them to sign the vinyl for me... |