Gig review of Mover

Three long years I've been waiting!!! Finally Mover are back in town... hurrah!!

I had never heard of the band before I saw them support The Bluetones in 1998 at the T&C but they completely blew me away. Their eponymous debut album is also quite simply superb and should reside in everyone's record collection.

It's the last night of Brighton Beach at the Cockpit tonight so the place is packed. Mover arrive on stage shortly after half past midnight. Now a 4 piece following the departure of guitarist James Powell the first thing that hits me is that there's a gap in the sound, and also that the rich harmonies on Mover recordings are now not re-created live, which is a big shame.

Performing a mixture of songs from forthcoming long player "Fly Casual" and from the debut album, Mover's sound is poppy with a slight Soul influence, perhaps highlighted mostly by Sam Hazeldine's gravely voice. The sound tonight however is pretty abysmal and doesn't really do the band justice. You feel that if it wasn't a "club night" but a "gig night" then it would be much better.

"Tricolore" is the stand out track, one of the finest pop songs of the 90's, but sadly one that has probably escaped most ears. Again though, the lack of harmonies detracts from the live delivery. Note to all bands, backing vocals are important!! Guitarist John Ruscoe provides some backing vocals but the overall sound is not quite as thick and textured as it should be. Sam Hazeldine is a fine front man, prowling around, tambourine in one hand, and audience in the other.

Ending with new track "That's it" with it's catchy sing-a-long chorus Mover haven't been done justice by the sound tonight, but nor have they done themselves justice. A talented band with some excellent songs. Hopefully they'll be back later in the year with a full tour. In the meantime check out the albums to remind yourself what real pop music is. Remember? Like when pop music was The Beatles and The Jacksons rather than manufactured talentless oiks!!