First of the two. bad start for me. received a text right at the beginning of the gig, that sent me to sad blue land. lucky me though, our lovely stewardess showed the path to the runway with the happy blue lights. Facing Noonan and listening to his beautiful voice, the negative vibes evaporated in no time.
Now, in order, my unreliable memory says they played: How you heart is wired, Bad Skin Day, The Great Defector, Flame, Amelia, Rocky, Next to you (altho not sure. i completely blanked out for one of their songs. dont ask), Better Band, Eve, Ribs of an umbrella, Pinball Machine, My first born for a song, One stringed harp, I'll see your heart. And Blow Ins (but again not certain).
Atmosphere wasn't great for the first 2 or 3 songs. it picked up as Paul was more relax on stage. Beautiful lights work and great visuals. Defo add on to the whole gig (loved the teapot on the amp!). The great defector got the best crowd respond. And to my surprise, A better band didn't bring any reaction whatsoever. i had the biggest smile on my face, the joy of listening to the song live now that i know it by heart, i was boiling inside and yet, noone moving around me at all. they're not all yet enlightened to our men's world! was actually quite funny and weird to have seen them all jumping to the defector and when the real heavy guitars landed, cute blondies and annoying couples didn't know what to make of it. not so much of a romantic poppy evening anymore, huh? i loved it personally, even though i thought it wasn't loud enough for my liking. more strikes next time please! me want real gritty sound!
Paul was great at the auld talking in between songs. complaining about too many taxis in Dublin, thanking the girl who kept shouting she loved him, admitting that there are a few other songs already written about Amelia E., kind of disowning the one stringed harp song, etc.
A good gig. quite a few newbies in the crowd so some talking throughout the evening but still, noone can beat the Noonan, voice wise! And i finally remembered who Marky Mark (new Brian) looks like. he reminds me (a bit, and from far) of a young James Wood.
Caught Villagers. same impression as the last time. they're very good for heavy songs but a bit boring for the slow ones.
there you go. my first impressions. Have to say. was eager and excited for the last gigs because there were plenty of new songs to expect. but tonight, that eagerness gone, i missed Brian. Especially when only Paul, Dave and Dom were on stage for Pinball Machine.