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White Lies - To lose my Life - Live @ HMV Manchester 12/1/2009
Got a double whammy of good fortune today, in the form of The White Lies.
First, I managed to get my hands on a copy of their new album - not released until next week - late on last night, by a stroke of last minute luck. So I decided I'd listen to it on the way to work today, in mind to do a review tonight. But it gets better than just a new album a week early. On my way home from work, walking through the centre of Manchester, it only appears they're playing a free signing gig at HMV tonight. What a score!!
Upon first listen to the album, which is undoubtedly influenced by moody '80s pop bands, my first listen was hard going. The songs are all very much the same; moody, dark and very poppy. second listen you really start to pull out the songs that are likeable, I mean, this is my kind of music. But this is targeted at the newer 'Emo' generation.
Similarities with Joy Division, The Editors and Interpol are inevitable. However, I fear this is selling them a little short. This is the kind of moody, gothy, dark romantic songs that came before the crushed velvet and black nail polish. The White Lies are more Tears for Fears, or Flock of Seagulls. This is the kind of 'End-of-punk, not-quite-new-romantic' pop I loved in the eighties. They play dark, moody yet upbeat synth pop, with a chorus you can chant along to. All good fun! It reminded me of the kind of music I usd to get up and dance to at night clubs, even though I didn't know who it was - just because it sounds 'so good'.
Let's not forget, this has all been done before. But I'm not sure it was ever done this well polished before.
I only managed two listens of the album today, but then found the band playing at HMV in the centre of Manchester, just as I was going home - what luck. As it was free, it would have been rude not to go.
After getting my wristband from the main store, I was directed to the back of the building and down the alleyway. This appears to be the new location for these kind of gigs. I always remember them doing them in the store, so you could still buy records.
I moved to the front amongst the mix Emo-school kids and the parents who had brought them. I was by no means the oldest there, but it did feel a little odd.
When the band took to the stage, I was surprised by how really, well... normal, they look. No gimmicks. No guitarist wearing an amusing costume. No lipstick. No nail polish. Just black shirts, black pants and instruments.
At this point I still wasn't sure whether I like them or not. Then they started to play... Thank the maker, they can play really well.
It makes so much of a difference, hearing a bad you're not familiar with play live. All of us go to concerts knowing the artist we're going to see, and probably a lot of the songs they'll play. Personally, I love to hear a band live first, it gives their music that much more energy.
For a band with a ten track debut album coming out in a week, it was nice to be treated to six of them live, and for free! They played well and the crowd loved it. There were a couple of guys that heckled "They all sound the same!" from the back (which, to be fair, was my first thought) but there is a lot more going on. I recommend giving them a try.
Tonight was their first live gig of the year, with more to come. The White Lies are one to look for this year, as 2009 is going to be a good one for them and I wish them all the best.
The debut album "To Lose My Life" is out next Monday 19th Jan 2009. Personally, I'll be going to the Manchester Academy on 7th Feb to see them live with Glasvegas. Can't wait...
Setlist, Manchester HMV 12th Jan 2009:
Unfinished Business
To Lose My Life
E.S.T.
50 on our Foreheads
The Price of Love
Death
Album "To Lose My Life" Playlist:
Death
To Lose My Life
A Place to Hide
50 on our Foreheads
Unfinished Business
E.S.T.
From the stars
Farewell to the Fairground
Nothing to Give
The Price of Love
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Originally Posted by Mr Morningstarr*
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