REVIEW: Gavin Rossdale
- Posted on June 12, 2008 5:18 PM
- 0 comments
Gavin Rossdale
The Underworld, Camden
11th June 2008
Review by Matty Heanes
Back after a very long break, Gavin Rossdale (ex Bush front man) releases his solo offering ‘Wanderlust’ this month. Bush gave music fans an alternative to the wash of the jangly guitar, bowl cut hairstyled indie bands of the early 1990’s. Their no fuss approach to rock music built them up a dedicated fan base and the mixture of ages in the audience tonight proved that they reached a wide demographic.
As soon as Mr Rossdale and his band stepped on stage they threw themselves into the anthemic ‘Machine Head’ from Bush’s Sixteen Stone album. Even if his music isn’t quite too your taste his absolute conviction and energy during his performance is unquestionable. During new songs such as ‘Can’t Stop the World’ and classics such as ‘Chemicals Between Us’, Rossdale sings with the manner of someone singing for their life.
Although the Underworld is big enough to hold a respectably big crowd, another bonus of tonight is that it has the atmosphere of a pub gig. Partly due to Gavin’s friends from his local boozer bellowing out their appreciation and when mentioned to the audience that he could ‘ walk home from here’. He has managed to assemble quite a competent band too, notably the drummer who plays with a sort of John Bonham like intensity.
The most unexpected moment was when Rossdale broke into the Talking Heads ‘Once in a Lifetime’ during an instrumental break. Due to the instrumentation the crowd didn’t seem fully aware of what was going on but to those who did it was a nice touch. The atmosphere in the Underworld tonight was buzzing as the audience belted out the Bush back catalogue including ‘Everything Zen’, ‘Swallowed’ and ‘Glycerine’ (which the punters sang an a cappella introduction too).
Having seen Bush in their prime I came to tonights gig with an open mind and expecting a lot of new material. To my surprise there was an even balance of old and new. The fresh songs conveyed powerful imagery and maturity in arrangement and the older tunes were greeted like old friends.
The highlight of the night for me was the closing song of the set ‘Come Down’ with Gavin’s raspy vocal at its gravelly best. I hope that the critics listen to his new album with an open mind as it has moments of immaculate song writing from an artist with real integrity. Its nice to have him back.
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