Supergrass preside over a mini-fest

Although billed as the Supergrass show this had more of a mini-festival feel: some sort of a summit of intercontinental dimensions where the only damage done is by quality music. The ‘Grass supports were provided by the New Zealand’s ‘family-band’, The Datsuns, and American combo, The Polyphonic Spree. Three different outfits and yet they share a common ground.

It‘s their love, respect and inspiration hailing to the times bygone: in the range, mood, insight, spirit... All three bands are distinctly influenced by certain historic periods but without actually ripping them off… Supergrass love for the tunes of the 1970s, and in particular Marc Bolan/T-Rex’s sound on the latest offering, ‘Life On Other Planets’ is evident; the band’s tuneful pop-rock ditties can hardly fail to move fans inside this cavernous structure and the quartet’s show is as dynamic as their reputation has it.

Gaz Coombes has matured into a solid frontman for the band to oppose all the critics expecting them to turn into a caricature of themselves. They are becoming the finest example of no-bull rolling of the Thin Lizzy ilk and the evening rightfully belongs to the ‘Grass although the competition was serious. The Datsuns, headliners in their own right, rather masterfully trading the last year’s self-titled hard-rocking platter that riffs towards Black Sabbath as much as to the punkers with a sprinkle of nu-angst.

The Polyphonic Spree are the only band that can have their own aftershow party and never be under- guest’d because, numbered 24, they are the size of six average-peopled groups. That certainly gives them an advantage to produce sounds that are just beyond the realm of the zeitgeist’s requisite. Led by former Tripping Daisy-ist Tom de Laughter, this Texan lot handles any genre of music with panache, passion and poise hardly witnessed these days.

To add to the global flavour of the eve’s entertainment, the opening act were Scandinavian boy/girl garage rockers The Ravionettes, which we sadly had to miss due to looking for a parking space. It’s getting more difficult on the roads to add to the Mayoral ‘crimes’ – Ken is killing (live) music!

Otherwise, an evening of value and merit. And, such a strong line-up you’ll not see indoors in a long while. Another planet, baby!