The Slow Readers Club / Rock City / Nottingham
This was one of those nights we’ve been looking forward to for so long, I wondered if I’d ever see The Slow Readers Club live. One of the first album reviews we did at LiveWire was their March 2020 release The Joy of the Return which we gave a 5/5 score. To promote the album they announced an autumn tour and we were looking forward to seeing them on 28 October 2020 at Rock City. Covid replaced that show with a new album entitled 91 Days in Isolation (reviewed October 2020 rated 9.5) and the wait went on. But here we were almost a year later, but getting ready to watch the guys in action live….. finally.
The atmosphere was amazing, and there was a real sense of anticipation for their loyal fan base. Their style is a great mix of heavy intense rock, and more laid back material and they weave between these so effectively taking the listener on a journey that undulates between joy and despair brilliantly, as they cover subjects such as love and alienation through to the rise of hard hitting political imagery such as the cult of popularity and computer generated propaganda. Their lyrics are a real strong point here that reflect life in the 21st century so well.
Frontman Aaron Starkie has an incredible voice and range, showcased so effectively, especially on ‘You Opened Up My Heart’ which sums up their sound so well, as Starkie belts out intense often dystopian lyrics with ease. Not one of the most energetic frontman on stage, Aaron certainly isn’t climbing the speakers or diving into the crowd, but carriers a charisma and a presence that somehow grips the audience’s attention so effectively. The stage lighting added to the sense of drama and worked well with the music.
Highlights for me was the fantastic ‘Block Out The Sun’ from their self-titled debut album. With it’s simple keyboard intro a track that builds and becomes more powerful, along with ‘Feet on Fire’ with it’s heavier guitar focus. The styles of these two are quite different but complement each other so effectively and show their range so well. These were followed by the excellent ‘I Saw a Ghost’ that the fans enthusiastically joined in with the chorus, one of my personal favourite tracks.
We were treated to a performance of their latest 2021 single ‘Tell No Lies’ which went down well. A more upbeat track which again uses keyboards so effectively. It’s something not used often, but I love how it compliments their sound so well. I’d love to see the addition of a full time keyboard player and what new avenues it would open up for their sound.
As the show came to a close, they belted out two old fan favourites ‘On the TV’ and ended with the excellent ‘Lunatic’. The crowd loved every second of it.
It was certainly worth the wait, and an excellent performance from The Slow Readers Club. A band that is excellent on vinyl, but which also transfers so effortlessly into an exceptional live performance too.
With two outstanding supports, this was an exceptional night and one that will live long in the memory.
Set List
The Wait (Intro) (The Joy of the Return)
Fool for your Philosophy (Cavalcade)
You Opened Up My Heart (Build a Tower)
Plant the Seed (Cavalcade)
Killing Me (The Joy of the Return)
Two Minute Hate (91 Days in Isolation)
Jericho (The Joy of the Return)
All the Idols (The Joy of the Return)
Forever in your Debt (Cavalcade)
All I Hear (The Joy of the Return)
Paris (The Joy of the Return)
Everything I Own (91 Days in Isolation)
Block Out the Sun (The Slow Readers Club)
Feet on Fire (The Slow Readers Club)
I Saw a Ghost (Cavalcade)
Tell no Lies (Single)
On the TV (Build a Tower)
Lunatic (Build a Tower)
The first support, was Nottingham’s own Eyre Llew. Before seeing the set times list, I had not heard of them and was interested to see what they would be like. Well, my philosophy of never missing a support act was well rewarded here. At the end of their set, I sat there on the barrier at the front and just said “Wow” to myself. Hard to describe Eyre Llew, are a band you have to listen to, to do them justice. At best I can describe them as producing ambient, atmospheric soundscapes something akin to Sigur Ros or Amiina. Beautiful melodies with heavily modified guitar sounds, which create a powerful almost irregular, dissonant chords before using a bow to play the guitar. Following the show I’ve had their debut album Atelo on repeat play, and it’s been a revelation for me. It’s the kind of music you can get lost in, and relax, almost like a sonic floatation tank.
Just Wow !
Next up, before The Slow Readers Club hit the stage, we had Sheafs from up the road in Sheffield. A band, I’ve heard and loved before and who so deserve more praise than they get for what they do. Very different from Eyre Llew and much more like TSRC, Sheafs set the stage perfectly for the main act. The band’s play a punk infused indy rock blend which is a wonderful mix of contagious energy and mayhem and more delicate, striking melody and lyrical prowess.
For me, Sheafs are one of the most exciting and emotive live bands on the circuit, alongside bands such as The Murder Capital and Fontaines D.C.
Singer Lawrence apologies to the audience several times as he was unwell and it affected his vocals, not that anyone present could tell as he delivered a performance full of charisma and style ! They genuinely captivated and engaged the audience with their performance. It was loud, wild and thoroughly entertaining. The boisterous guitar playing of Chris Goodacre and Charles Mellor was nothing short of outstanding. The band have a genuine chemistry with the audience from start to finish.
If you get the chance to, DON’T miss the chance to see Sheafs live.
