It's a rare treat for me to see CWC as other commitments often get in the way, so I'm really looking forward to this. And I'm pleased to report that they do not disappoint, despite kicking off on a slightly shakey start. Note to Matt: when the red light is showing on your amp, it's on. When the light isn't showing however...
In a definitely RAFR set that was over far too quickly, three songs stick in my mind. The arrangement of the Sugababes' 'Round Round' is particularly satisfying, being immediately recognisable but at the same time subtly different. This is surely the song the Sugababes meant to write (OK, maybe not. But someone else should have done, before they went and spoilt it). The final twist is that Paul, the drummer, sings it; no mean feat in itself.
I'm never gonna tire of hearing 'Coping With Cheese' either, this song works for me for so many different reasons. I'll mention one small aspect only this time therefore: who else do you know who could work the words 'lactose intolerant' into a lyric?
And finally, The Darkness 'I Believe In A Thing Called Love'. This is only the first time I get to hear this song over the course of the weekend, the second being from an older band (in both age and experience) in a much bigger venue, needing to impress a promoter who may well be able to take them to another level in their career. And there's absolutely nothing to tell between the two performances; RAFR. That's all I can say.
Paul finishes the set by earning himself a nickname all of his own (rather than as a sequel). Though it is one that has also been applied to his father, it definitely fits him better. Anyone remember Animal, from the Muppets...?
CWC are tight and in control, even in the face of the unexpected. Matt and Paul, the two biggest characters of the band, handle the audience well between them, conceding to each other but never overlapping. They are ably supported and complemented by Adam and Tom (the latter introduced by Matt as the band's musical genius). In short, nothing less than you'd expect from a band who last week played the Chelmsford Spectacular.
Review by Katherine Sockett
