The Thrills - London 93 Feet East - 22/1/03
4/5
By: Toby L
It's not good timing. Just a couple of hours until hitting the not-so-modest stage of a debut London appearance to hundreds, and frontman of The Thrills, Conor Deasy, announces that he has a sore throat. Anyone else, you'd shudder at the prospects. But, with The Thrills, somehow, anything seems manageable.
It may come as a surprise to many, but this Irish five-piece have been in development for some time. Forming their band-unit years ago - many of the group grew up together - and sharpening their craft all the while, it's only been the last four months in particular that gross-interest has finally found its way towards the band's favour; signing with Virgin, supporting Morrissey in London at his personal request, recording in LA, becoming stars of the music-media relatively overnight - their present success marks a well-deserved fruition of years of work.
Tonight, then, is a fittingly extravagant affair. Wall-to-wall with industry-notables and stars of the scene (inclusive of artists that The Thrills themselves admittedly once used to watch at shows, staring on in awe), the anticipation mounts with every passing minute. Until, suddenly, out bursts a familiar thump and bass-line - yes: Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'. The room brightens from smiles all round, and the band make their entrance, opening in brooding, downbeat mode, soon lightening the temperament and gallivanting grandly in searing strides that take in the most distinguishably melodic likes of 'Big Sur' or a set-closing 'One Horse Town', both mere depictions of the genial dashings of both song-writing expertise and vivid organ-guitar based psychedelia they can collectively produce.
Deasy, once thought a perturbing case due to vocal-issues earlier, is sublime as singer, crooning endearingly across wistful, rich and coherent guitars from Daniel Ryan and Padraic McMahon, Kevin Horan's keys filling the gaps, and Ben Carrigan holding the mighty Young-cum-Bacharach temperament down to a fulfilled rumble of sound. Promisingly, too, they're still finding their way, proving themselves an even brighter live-prospect for the year ensuing; their impeccably-received debut 'Santa Cruz...' is greeted with a fleet of cheers and still spangles with all its original, zesty Beach Boys charm, yet is a few months away from a flawless performance, leaving you with hope and enchantment at what they can do next.
For now, this leaves us with a band capable of memorable, almost hauntingly tuneful compositions, and a set of individuals with a presence and musical-prowess and grace that shall set alight 2003's summer when their debut-LP finally hits stores; but, until then, check them out now in locations where at least you know you'll get a passable view, because such a privilege won't last for long.
Artists in this article: The Thrills
Your Feedback
Login to post your comment