Starsailor - Oxford Zodiac - 19/3/01
4/5
By: Toby L
Set-List: 'Fever', 'Way To Fall', 'Alcoholic', 'Lullaby', 'Coming Down', 'Talk Her Down', 'Hot Burrito', 'Love Is Here', 'Young Lovers', 'Good Souls'.
Ah. Right. Hmm... How do you start off an article describing a band that has just blown you away? Wait, that would be creating an understatement, so let's re-phrase that... What is the way to open a concert review for an act that you've just witnessed harness the potential to invigorate millions across the globe? No, that's not good enough. How about, why are Starsailor producing music that to emulate would need the ability, vision and sheer passion which can simply never be repeated? Nah, ain't there yet...
OK, enough. The point is that you can say all the right things under the sun to describe these artists - whose show tonight is the second of their debut headline tour - but you'd still never come close to actually encapsulating their significance, as long as words are in existence. Rockfeedback's advice? Check them out live, buy their records - if you're disappointed, it's fair to say you're the one whose ears are at fault, as opposed to the quality of their clutch of songs.
Stepping out on to the Zodiac's stage, a packed audience delivers a healthy dosage of encouragement to a band that, realistically, most here will only know one song of - their top twenty first single release, 'Fever'. Ironically, that's what the show is opened with; rather than saving their hit 'till the end to blind all with its melodic charm, strummed simplicity and all-conquering structure, they stand the risk of peaking too soon in the first five minutes. The crowd remained still and silent during the track, the odd audience member swaying side to side, but other than that, quiet and contemplative. This led to wonders on what everyone thought of the act in front: were we here just to see what the press had made a fuss about recently, or was our being there a reflection of our fondness for the band? As the final notes were plucked, the audience reaction was clear - one of sheer shock and admiration at the power and emotive nature which the four piece could exert by merely using the simple guitar-drums-bass-piano unit. However, this was evidence that an artist's instruments make no difference to the final work - it's only within the hands of the creator where something of meritorious accomplishment has to be achieved.
It's simple, but this band is unique. From Ben Byrne on drums, James Stelfox on bass to keyboardist Barry Westhead, the components to their success will no doubt ride from the strong backing of these people, whose ability transcends beyond the norm due to the huge part they play in producing the overall sound, complementing and sharing the spotlight. And then there's James Walsh, on vocals and guitar - chief songwriter of this Wigan group.
Walsh is a star, sailing for the high tide - yes, I know it's a cheap play on their name, but it was coming, let's face it. But - it's true: it's not just that he can craft such sweet perfection as 'Coming Down', but the fact he can then go forth and perform such sounds solo, whipping up a reception just as strong as other full-band efforts notched up. It's quite simply his voice - remarked upon by many-a-journalist for its resemblance to other impacting artistes of the past. It's not right to compare it, though. Starsailor are ones to stand alone and raise the standards of what being in UK music is all about.
Their sounds almost edges on jazz at times, the piano occasionally sounding as if it wouldn't be out of place in a classical recital, the bass acting as much a rhythmic compendium as it does a lead instrument, and the drums playing a major part in moulding it together, whilst building you up for the climaxes which exist in such classics as 'Good Souls' - the show-closer. The feeling by the end of the show is shocking: a room full of people feel united and rejuvenated - and this band have got the power to perform such a miracle in concert halls the world over.
They say little in between tracks, but that's OK: it must be a relief to not have to create a cocky bravado in live performance when their stage presence is able to breathe through the music they play. Thrilling in concert, and with the compositions formed in such an early stage within their career already, it's safe to say that their future albums will be nothing short of magnificent. Believe the hype. And then realise that it's still not justified to their colossal capability.
Artists in this article: Starsailor
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