The Kissaway Trail + Guests
Alessia - 12/03/2010
London, 10th March, Hoxton Bar & Kitchen
I have been looking forward to this gig for a while. The Kissaway Trail are one of those bands who manage to score high on the first album, and then it’s always hard to keep up with the expectations. I have to admit that despite I love their self titled debut I never saw them performing, therefore I was quite anxious to find out whether they are as good live. I was not disappointed.
First on stage were opening act Tripwires, a four piece band from reading. Their sound is dark but melodic, powerful but gentle. Influences of My Bloody Valentine are all there, but don’t think of copycat, they’re less loud and harmonies are well balanced and structured. Highly recommend to check them out, especially Shimmer and Spring Snow.
Next on were Kurran & The Wolfnotes: the sound changes to more traditional harmonies, but with a twist of gentle extravaganza with xylophones and tambourines. The band released their debut single Whatabitch in November last year but already gained a place among indie music lovers, as the audience danced and cheered every tune on the setlist. Again, if you haven’t seen them live, do so now and enjoy them in smaller and intimate venues until you can.
Finally, The Kissaway Trail got hold of the stage. These shy guys not only are amazingly talented musicians but also great performers, with loads of energy and able to quickly connect with the audience. Their kick off tune Don’t Wake Up, from the long awaited second album Sleep Mountain , is welcomed with cheers from the audience. Quite an amazing achievement as the album has been released on March 8th!
Singer/guitarist/piano/synth player Thomas Fagerlund and singer/guitarist Søren Corneliussen cast a spell on the crowd and dis their magic tricks: everyone is enchanted by the perfect vocals (one of the main characteristics of the band is the two lead-vocals) and harmonies.
As imagined, the set focused on the new material, with catchy New Lipstick - which got everyone dancing – to Friendly Fire - delicate start (almost like a lullaby, I can actually imagine this being the soundtrack of an old fashion movie) to the evolve with precise drumming until it reaches it’s climax with the voluntary repetitive chorus (just like a mantra – in fact we all should repeat 10 times in the morning You don’t care about them just to remind ourselves that we are all unique individuals, not clones).
It was for the much loved Smother+ Evil=Hurt that the crowd went mental though: and how can you blame them! Definitely my favourite track from the first album, performed live is as magnificent as when on record, nothing to object.
The reception on the new material was really good; to be fair it seems that the audience (a sold out Hoxton Bar & Kitchen tonight) has done its homework and learned all tracks on the new album to make sure they were able to sing along, to much delight of the band, particularly Søren, who turned the mic towards the crowd and asking them to sing the chorus on their behalf (which they did!).
New single SDP got everyone screaming and loudly singing along the chorus, it was a great moment, with the venue packed with genuine music lovers who are so passionate about them and show their affection.
The last two tracks of the set couldn’t have been better chosen: 61 (for you football fans, as Thomas reminded, is on Fifa 09) – anthem tune, great lyrics and music, just perfect, followed by Enemy – warmer, Haitian xylophone gives the initial rhythm, joined by drums and reassuring chorus and epically ended with percussions finale terminate this amazing gig.
Everyone had a great night: the audience, the band and I. Hope to see them again this summer.
If you haven’t done so, go and grab Sleep Mountain: you won’t regret it, it’s another Bella Union gem.
Photos:Alessia Matteoli
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