MUSIC

Colston Hall 2, Bristol (Sun 23 Oct)

There is usually something jarringly civilised about sitting down at a rock or indie show. At its highest intensity, a good gig should force its audience to involuntarily jump out of that symbol of gentile restraint that is the concert chair, and climb upon it/throw it to the ground. So when the house lights dimmed upon a hushed and sedentary Colston Hall as WHY? took to the stage, one could be forgiven for feeling a twinge of apprehension.

Perhaps this ‘Acoustic Grand Piano Show’ would somehow lack the vivacity and energy the band usually deliver? As the first few strains of ‘These Few Presidents’ crept out of the PA though, any such reservations were banished. This was WHY? at their bizarre, sarcastic, adorable best. Eschewing a full drum kit, Josiah Wolf instead took up both electric bass and percussion duties, alongside vocalist and brother Yoni, and keysman Doug McDiarmid, who sat in on the titular grand piano. This familiar trio was augmented by Josiah’s wife Liz, who added lush vocal harmonies and percussion to the group’s unique sonic texture.

Josiah’s percussive deftness was the most important factor in keeping the intensity of the show at fever pitch, as he simultaneously finger plucked thunderous, simple bass grooves, and lashed the snare drum during a beat’s rest. The beautiful grand piano sound poured shimmering and organic from the sound system. The levels and live mix were tonight that rarest of rare things in a gig of this type: perfect. Yoni Wolf’s unmistakeable, nasal half-rap, half-sing vocals were crystalline, resonating at times with echo and reverb, complementing his wry and often poignantly self-aware lyrics.

One feels WHY? have tailored this tour in a very specific way: none of the usual technical hitches and ancient floorboards sticky with decades of spilt beer that the average gig-goer knows all too well. The satisfaction of playing in a venue like Colston Hall to a seated and attentive audience clearly manifested itself on stage, as the group delivered a slick and powerful set full of fan favourites and brand new material alike. As the dying notes of ‘By Torpedo or Crohn’s’ drifted into the hall’s lofty ceiling, the group announced their plans to return in the spring. For the congregation that emerged into the chill October night, it will feel like a long winter indeed. (Mike Hine)

Copyright Mike Hine 2011