This is my first ever post in this blog. Such a momentous, raucous occasion which I will do no justice to by speaking any more of it. Banter.
On the 8th of October; Ben Marwood, along with Oxygen Thief, Neil Morris and The Quiet Quiet Band, played the Bright House in England's second city. Having never been to Birmingham before, me and a friend jumped at the chance to go along to this free gig and have a night out around Birmingham in true student style... It didnt disappoint. Due to being held up in an incredibly competitive game of pool by a bloke who clearly had nothing better to do than challenge students, some 10 minutes away from the venue, we were late to see the beginning of the show.
We entered to the happily-ranting, brilliant sounds of Neil Morris, whom between songs, plugged the new folk label coming later this month (Front Room Records) which is sure to be the start of something amazing. His heavy accent came through on his songs and his views on daily life provided the crowd with an insight into the daily life, and how to get by.
After this; Oxygen Thief stepped up to the mic, and got the somewhat, unusually small crowd revved up for the headline act. Playing a mix of purely instrumental tracks, strongly-worded numbers and a magic rendition of 'Gold' by Spandau Ballet, it was clear that everyone was on the same side, and there was no shit heckling going on. This was the first time i've ever seen him play despite being mentioned by Frank Turner many times... whose words I basically abide by. His set ran its course and it was then time for, arguably one of the nicest guys i've ever met in the industry to take control.
Ben looked completely at ease as he began his set. People immediately flocked the front to be part of the singalongs and raves about Avril Lavigne and being hungover on a train ("if the bastard's not delayed"). This ['Oh My Days'] incidentally was a personal highlight, along with the fantastically written and rhythmically pleasing 'I Will Breath You In', not to mention the beautifully ironic tune of 'Singalong'. It was clear that Ben Marwood has had a positive effect on people since supporting Frank Turner across the country (which is where I discovered him... at multiple shows). ANECDOTE TIME! FUN! When myself and a few friends travelled up from the Lake District to Stockton (still dont know where that is, but it was a grand place) to watch yet another Frank Turner gig; Ben and Franz Nicolay supported FT... and they were present in the lobby of the venue before Frank took to the stage. Both of these fine artists were stood behind a desk with each of their respective albums and other memorablia, my mate Kieran wanders up to buy Ben's album but couldnt get Ben's attention, so he asks Franz "can I buy Ben's album please". The look on his face wasnt representitive of the way he might/should have felt. Uncool Kieran, uncool. It was fine though, they were both awesome. Marwood closed the set with his take on the Postal Service's 'The District Sleeps Alone Tonight' and finished to a rapturous applause. Yet another brilliant performance.
http://www.myspace.com/neilmorrismusic
http://www.myspace.com/oxygenthief
http://www.benmarwood.com/
