My Awesome Compilation
Live at Joseph's Well on Sunday, 27th November 2005
It's fair to say My Awesome Compilation's debut full length 'Plans' didn't exactly "break" the band the way it could and probably should have done. But what is for sure is that the band have come on leaps and bounds since their lacklustre early offerings and even more painfully dull live performances of last year. The worst named band in the world ever seem to be on the way up.
Joseph's Well's 4 band policy can be a lot to stomach in general but thankfully at least 1-2 gems are always thrown up. One average but slick emocore band down (couldn't catch the name), The Zico Chain follow and manage to drum up an audacious racket in a Winnebago Deal stylee. Heavy but without much substance or the tunes to back up their bravado.
On this occasion, Brigade are the shining light on the undercard. Believe it or not, the vocalist has a rather famous sibling. The unholy eyebrowed chart bothering turned "serious" musician Charlie Simpson no less. Dam the inevitable comparisons but both Simpsons have gone out to create some monstrous guitar laden rock. Brigade even more so lead the way, tearing through their minimal back catalogue with surprising poise, confidence and ability with the vocals playing second fiddle to the 3 pronged guitar assault but still soaring and entering the fray at just the right time.
Brigade should have a bright future ahead of them.
Half full would be an over exaggeration as to the crowd drawn but it is a painfully dull Sunday night so little more could have been expected I guess (unless U2 were playing or something). My Awesome Compilation vocalist Chris' voice echoing around the room or not you can't fault the delivery. 'Plans' is just so chocked full of simple high octane pop-rock with obligatory emo leanings it's hard to not enjoy. Every song has a memorable sing-a-long chorus and live and amped, tonight follows suit and is just as imagined. Top of the pile, 'You Need Discipline', 'Set To Go' and one of the surprising singles of the year - 'Put Up A Fight' would fit smoothly onto any rock show and should guarantee MAC a few high esteemed support slots if nothing else. The added aggression or second gear is very much in absence throughout and god only knows what the keyboardist actually does (seemed to be tapping away at an unplugged keyboard) but MAC should now be established as an entertaining entity if nothing else. It's been a very nice progression and very encouraging effort to witness from the sidelines and on the evidence of tonight's performance, long may My Awesome Compilations steady rise to nondescript fame continue.