The Big British Sound @ The Paddington Town Hall

The Big British Sound was a strange beast. Outside of festivals it's rare to find live gigs that are hosted by a corporate partner with such a heavy influence over the event. Unsurprisingly Ben Sherman dressed The Paddington Town Hall in blue and white lights on Friday night, nostalgically celebrating that 1960s British chic. The main hall was draped in photos of double decker buses and young mods driving scooters while each set was followed by popular British hits from The Stone Roses to The Ting Tings.

On the surface it looked like a great event, albeit a little cliched. The Paddington Town Hall’s luxuriously large space hovered over a comparatively diminutive crowd. The large hall peppered with people clumped in groups or just sitting against the wall, which had no shortage of Ben Sherman paraphernalia. From the fashion label’s symbols to Andy Warhol-esque portraits of Mr Sherman himself, everyone was constantly and shamelessly reminded of who was running the party. At the bar the Sosume DJs danced by themselves with an uplifting enthusiasm that, according to the wandering crowd, was not contagious.

It was this constant wandering brought about by the event’s layout that detracted from the diverse and talented lineup. As beautiful as it may be The Paddington Town Hall provided too much space. The bar was located outside of the enormous main hall and oddly short sets (half an hour to forty-five minutes) were separated by a 20 minute block of aimlessly put together “British music.” The result was a constant flux of people walking in and out, buying drinks and occupying themselves form balcony to balcony waiting for some live music.

Before I knew it Art vs Science had left the stage and The Seabellies were announcing their final song. A shame as these two speedy sets were the real highlight. Art vs Science enveloped the room with their happy-go-lucky electro pop, which at times assaulted the ears but nevertheless drew the small crowd together. The Seabellies were flawless. Vocalist Trent Grenell belted out each lyric at the top of his lungs, perfectly in pitch. Feet shuffled ever closer to the stage as we were all introduced to a band with vast amounts of talent. Their set finished with a cover of Rod Stewart's Young Turks. It was hard to see even a glimmer of Rod’s straightened hair as The Seabellies had doused the 1980s hit with a fresh coat of their own originality. It was disappointing to see them walk off stage leaving everyone to another twenty minute block with little to do.

In good time Jack Ladder gathered everyone back in the main hall. After a shakey set at his previous gig supporting The Duke Spirit I was happy to have another opportunity to see a comfortable performance. Again Jack quickly opened with The Barber’s Son a track dripping with his unique, soulful essence. I always feel a sense of anticipatory excitement at the future of Jack Ladder as his awkward body and startlingly smooth voice lather the crowd with this song. I stood thinking, “now I’ll see Jack Ladder really nail it.” But that was not to be the case. Standing before him was a crowd bemused. As the rapture of The Barber’s Son wore off I looked around too see those shuffling feet, shuffle away. You need to be close to that voice in a small dark room heavily clad with smoke. The clean cut feel of The Big British Sound was not the place. Once again Jack Ladder performed a set misunderstood.

When wonder kids Tame Impala coasted on stage it was refreshing to see less floor as fans poured into the over sized hall dancing with little inhibition. Modular took a big risk with this relatively young band from Perth but their talent is unquestionable and for the first time in the night I saw everyone really enjoying themselves. Since their last few Sydney gigs in 2008 the set list hasn’t changed and that Boy Blue cover is still a staple. So it’s no surprise that there was a repetitive nature to Tame Impala’s live performances. Each song starts with a kick ass riff that has the crowd chanting along. Then without fail everyone is taken on a long minimalist psychedelic journey that becomes predictable. I look forward to seeing Tame Impala diversify their live performance, breaking up their solos and a daring to be more flamboyant in their jams onstage.

After a night that felt like a light bulb being switched on and off *Little Red* delivered a very appropriate closing set. Simple and fun there is no question that every song of Little Red’s has been inspired by 1960s British rock ‘n’ roll. The hall was transformed into a scene from Grease as the band performed with popped collars and broad grins. At last the space was being used as intended. The intensity of the previous bands washed away as a party atmosphere brought The Big British Sound to a close.

Published @ www.fasterlouder.com.au
Link: http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/reviews/events/17864/The-Big-British-Sound--Paddington-Town-Hall-Sydney--03042009.htm