The Electric Soft Parade - High Wycombe Union - 30/9/02
4/5
By: Toby L
Quite why such strange things happen in life, no-one knows; the possibility of extra-terrestrial beings, an after-life: these are just two issues that have plagued mankind for centuries as to the truth of their origination. But, something even more mysterious has come along... Just why on Earth are one of the UK's best-loved, rising alternative acts The Electric Soft Parade gracing the location of Britain's answer to hell - our home-town, High Wycombe?
'Is it formed from a crater,' inquisitively asks Matt, the innocent-seeming bassist of tonight's main attraction, when discussing the geographical landmarks of the town in question during a dressing-room, warm-up drink. There are laughs ensuing, but, technically, the place is built around a valley instead - though full points to the man for detecting the sheer evilness of the boys' present locality.
What's especially surreal about witnessing the Brighton-based four-piece in the specific location this evening is that they're far above, beyond all this. Having spawned one of the year's most praised and genuinely infectious, experimental-pop albums in the shape of 'Holes In The Wall', not to mention sell-out tours and well-received overseas dates within the likes of Japan and Europe, ESP are continually proving themselves to be the natural successors to the crowns possessed by the elder contemporaries amongst them; young, driven, focussed and steaming with energy, their musical-product is the stuff of vivid ideas competently put into musical-form, and conjuring a rare sound that's able to cross over into fans of varying genres.
Tonight, 350 students are justifiably excited by the presence of such characters into their humble campus-building. Indeed, this evening marks the launch of a new venue for Wycombers that will see a lot more alternative-music talent winging its way across the motorway to be present for the notably drunken attendees - though, it's possibly fair to say that they're spoilt with what's to come before them at 10:30pm.
Taking to the stage with a braveness that shall no doubt earn them increasing plaudits as their career progresses, the quartet kick into traditional opener 'Start Again', and - immediately - a string breaks on singer Alex White's guitar. Eek. Redeeming themselves via a quick instrumental-swap, the number is opened again, the charging bass and drums lurching in after the unashamedly-indie six-string chug, the inviting vocals washing over the spectators in a notable allure. Yet, certainly within comparisons of the band's additional appearances, the reaction is still peculiarly sterile, onlookers visibly enjoying the provided entertainment but far too indulgent in trying to chat up the ugly person next to them than to unveil their true approval.
Still, for the attentive amongst us, a pleasure is in store 'til the fiery close; with cocky run-throughs of former singles 'There's A Silence' and the ever-ebullient 'Empty At The End' provoking break-outs of choral chanting and naοve, shambolic dancing, it's by the time brother of Alex, drummer and co-singer Tom takes to the front for a predictably sumptuous 'Red Balloon For Me' that you're captivated and sure of their potential for enduring greatness, the constant build-ups, forceful, driving hooks and watchful, chipper presence offered from start to finish acting as vehemently attention-thieving.
Though, aside from all the fervent display of talent, it's mostly quiet. Only a few comments are blurted from the unusually deafening PA - including references to this, quote, 'shit' area, and a certain, possibly mythical, Tom Sunderland having the entire performance dedicated to him - and there's also the aforementioned lack of student oomph. However, with the arrival of a show-ending and defining 'Silent To The Dark', all the restrictive response, the almost-anxieties... they're affirmatively dispelled, subjected to the bin marked 'F**k Off', with the towering inferno, choruses and multiple crescendos of 'Silent...' serving to dumbfound and captivate all locked within the daze of its melodic charm and challenging sound-wizardry. The effect lasts for a nigh-on, dazzling 20 minutes. The band march off and the crowd finally applauds with true signs of appreciation for the feat they've just been fortunate to behold.
Post-show, understandably, the necessity to flee as soon as possible becomes increasingly a priority, save for Tom, who dares to risk staying over for the evening. Yet, despite the uncertainties, evidently, even in the most pedestrian and restrained of atmospheres, it seems that The Electric Soft Parade are able to break through the barrier and offer a winning performance - and that's testament to their sonic, stirring ability which will hold them in good stead for future years... Yeah, watch 'em shine over and over again - no matter the whereabouts.
Artists in this article: The Electric Soft Parade
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