Gig review of Shed Seven + 45s

The 45s - now there's a name I don't think we'll be hearing the last of. Impressive at times (though I still think there's a lot to work on) pinpointing the influence in their style has proved difficult; though Britpop is a starter for ten. Most of their sound is delivered from the sole guitarist, ranging from a quirky "Something For The Weekend" nature to a distorted stadium rock attitude to that fuzzed guitar that's infiltrating a more dance edge to the current influx of today's rock bands. The vocals are equally unique, including excellent harmonies just when you want them. So... comparisons? I'm not going to even try.

It's been six years since my last Shed Seven live experience, and since then it would appear that the York-based band have made a major attempt at maturing their sound. One controversial greatest hits album later, and a general sound that is becoming more Manc than ever, Shed Seven are still trying to shrug off that perennial cabaret act tag of the UK student scene. Yet you'd be surprised just how many hits Shed Seven have had, though if you'd forgotten, they're out to remind each and every one of us tonight. It's a whistle-stop tour through the back catalogue - "Going For Gold", "Where Have You Been Tonight?", "On Standby", etc - with the expected inclusion of tracks from their latest album "Truth Be Told". Whilst you'd have been forgiven for thinking they were winding down in their old age - the later material appears slower with attention paid to songwriting rather than simply rocking out - their next single, "Step Inside Your Love" is a storming rock'n'roll tune, featuring a great guitar outro. An encore cover of the Bowie classic "Jean Genie" is followed by the sing along anthem of "Chasing Rainbows" as Shed Seven deliver their finale. Great stuff.