Amazing Metro - August 17th, 2004

I really wasn't sure whether I was going to enjoy this gig or not: I'd heard so much about the band, but it had been a while since I'd seen the Sned perform. Would the magic still be there? What on earth was I doing, a fish out of water, in the Metro Club in Oxford Street?
 
The mood was apprehensive, slightly febrile. The room was stuffy, its oppressive darkness lit by unforgiving pools of too-bright light; and the stage stark was somehow out-of-place, as if it had been set up as an afterthought. The murmur of anticipation among the crowd grew louder, and then hushed as the band took to the stage. Hesitation, laughter, something wrong with the sound - turn off the ambient noise - ok guys, let's go.

Softly, gently, a melodic start, the lead singer's tender vocals in sharp contrast with his inauspicious surroundings. Then without warning the bass and the beat kick in, and the whole band is laying into the thumping rhythm of Hiding from me. The Sham are giving it laldy. They are hot, sticky, and enjoying themselves. So is the audience - and so am I.
 
The drabness of the location fades behind the onslaught of the music. It's hard to believe the band has only being playing together for a matter of weeks: the sound is consistent; the delivery is tight; and the musicians seem comfortable in their skins and with the crowd. The music combines infectious melodies with insistent, urgent beat; and peppers them with witty and sometimes poignant lyrics. David Sneddon's unique and powerful voice still tears and sears, but the context complements and lends depth to his performance. It's altogether a more mature sound and, unarguably, it still gets me where it hurts.
 
The set goes by too quickly. All original material: Hiding from me is followed by Fallen angel; Upbeat beat; Little Blue; Only a Boy; Star; and Goodbye Baby. Little Blue and Star have etched themselves indelibly in my brain, and I am so happy I could burst - but that would be unseemly. Afterwards, as if a thunderstorm has cleared the air, the tension in the room has dissipated, and there's the relaxed buzz of a crowd eager for more. The guys from the band are happy too, and seem pleased to mix with their fans. It was a fantastic night, thanks guys - I can't wait to hear you again. 

Oh, and thanks, girls, too! It was truly fabby to see youse all again. Bet