Guillemots – Trains to Brazil

As I mentioned in my Rufus Wainwright review, the support act was Guillemots[1]. I hadn’t heard of them before learning they were on, so I did listen to a few tracks beforehand. You can find more on their Myspace site if you’d like to get a feel for what they do. The lead track on the single featured here has been getting some radio play[2] and I rather like it.

The line-up is a little unusual. Front man Fyfe Dangerfield[3] sat at front centre with his keyboards and occasional cowbells. Over to the right, a female band member[4] played a rather nice double bass. Over to the left was a guitarist with some nicely indie rock moves. Looked like he was in a different band altogether, to be honest. And it was cool. At the rear was a rather large drummer wearing what looked like a dress. Long black number. Went nicely with his beard.

But it’s all about songs. It was the first time I’d heard most of them, and my first impressions were very good indeed. Trains to Brazil is a catchy number, and Made Up Song #43 is a heartfelt love song. Nice. The highlight of the set was when Fyfe[5] sent the rest of the band off for a break. He then stood at the front of the stage and performed a song with a hand-held keyboard. No idea what it was called, but a stand out line was something like “if I had you…”. Quite lovely, and sounded great.

There was a little chat. Unlike Rufus, Fyfe did know he was in Gateshead, and went on with some nicely self-deprecating chat

I talk like this on dates…. people walk away….

It looks like their actual recorded material is a bit hard to find – I’ve got this single from Napster, and there has been at least one other release that’s even harder to find. An album should be along before too long. Expect to see a review here when it appears.

[1] They would appear to be another “the” free band, designed to confuse DJs who call every band “the” something. I remember one guy on Metro Radio many years ago who used to refer to The Prince and The Queen. Maybe he thought they were actual royalty or something? But I digress…
[2] Yes, it was another of those moments.
[3] I think. Their website isn’t exactly finished yet….
[4] At a guess, Aristazabal Hawkes. Or possibly Rican Caol. I don’t think she looked like a MC Lord Magrao, though.
[5] Or whoever