GIG REVIEW: Mystery Jets
- Posted on April 28, 2008 11:14 AM
- 0 comments
Mystery Jets
Scala, 24th April
Review by Holly Groom
One of the many great things about having a big mouth is that you can talk people in to doing what you want. Due to unforseen circumstances I didn't receive my review tickets in time. Being utterly charming and persuasive, it didn't take long for me to convince the Scala that, ticket or no ticket, Seatwave was coming inside...
All this messing around meant I'd missed the support bands of course - but arrived perfectly timed to grab a beer and squeeze myself through the heaving masses to get a decent view.
The Mystery Jets have dropped band member, Henry Harrison, from their live line up and without Blaine's dad overseeing things, certain members indulge in a little bit more rock posturing than I've witnessed at previous shows. The band stuck largely to songs from their new album '21' which has a more youthful, poppy style so the self-assured strutting provided by certain members actually fitted well with the general tone but, personally, I preferred the band when they still had parental accompaniment. I was clearly the only person who felt this way - the rest of the crowd, clearly all massive Mystery Jets fans, went mad for the new songs regardless of the line up.
The set opened with the obligatory WWII air raid sirens and spot lights before the boys launched into 'Hideaway' - track one of the new record. More new songs followed including the single 'Two Doors Down' which has more than a hint of The Cure about it. As well as a live saxophonist. The real hysterical responses, however, were reserved for older songs including 'The Boy Who Ran Away' and 'You Can't Fool Me Dennis' (for which Henry made a much appreciated surprise appearance.)
Other noteworthy highlights included Blake's Jeff Buckley-esque vocals on 'Flakes' and the upbeat 'Half In Love With Elizabeth' which I am now, unfortunately, only half in love with myself after my companion ruined it by saying that it sounded like the Kooks. If this awful realisation struck anyone else they didn't show it. The entire venue sang along to both the old and new hits, fists in the air, welcoming home a band whose dedicated fan-base now stretches much further than their native London. With a newfound confidence and recently completed American tour, The Mystery Jets seem like they are about to extend that fanbase even further. Its already a tight fit to pack everyone into the Scala - maybe the band from Eel Pie Island need to start playing bigger venues...
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