Reviewed on 30th October 2006.

Guillemots

Live at Leeds Metropolitan University on Wednesday, 25th October 2006

Guillemots haven't yet arrived on stage, but the dimming of lights sends the audience into a frenzy only to be silenced by the haunting vocals of Fyfe Dangerfield that magically fill the room. Instantly hypnotised with every hair on my neck standing to attention, it's clear this is going to be a special kind of evening. Since falling in love with them after first hearing the perfect 'Made Up Love Song #43' and being lucky enough to see their fantastic Leeds Festival set, I knew tonight wouldn't disappoint, but nothing prepared me for their breathtaking performance I became a part of.

Finally arriving on stage with album opener 'Little Bear', an evocative mix of Fyfe's soft, operatic-like vocals and accompanying strings and piano, Guillemots have the audience at their mercy. Proving their ability to diversify, they follow with two of my favourites from the album: the wonderfully optimistic and celebratory 'We're Here', and the perfect 'Made Up Love Song #43', a clear crowd favourite which encourages a rapturous sing-along. Most relatively new bands choose to save their most popular hits until last, but Guillemots display an admirable confidence in playing one of their most popular songs so soon in their set. The atmosphere is electric by this point and this allows Guillemots to play the rest of their set with optimum reception, so they can showcase their wonderful talent. Highlights of their faultless set include the stunning 'Redwings', a beautiful slow love song that silences the entire room, the wonderfully sweet and quirky 'Who Left the Lights off Baby", and a mesmerising performances of a new song by Aristazabal, the bands cellist, which once again brings the buzzing room to an absolute standstill.

Already robbed of a Mercury in my opinion, their stunning debut album 'Through The Windowpane' live proves it would have been a more than worthy winner. Fantastically diverse and unlike the usual indie rock 'n roll that dominates the charts, Guillemots are unafraid to be different and incredibly ambitious, and the end result is simply magical. Presenting themselves like an eccentric orchestra on stage with an array of woodwind, string, percussion and electronic instruments, they demonstrate their unique talent as a band by constantly swapping instruments with each other. Cellist Aristazabal would move to the keyboard while Fyfe would play guitar, bassist MC Lord Magrao would move to a synthesiser. Seagull sounds were often created using the capot very high up the neck of the bass, at one point a drill was used near the bass to create a bizarre loud sort of sound and impressively, a sound like a saw being bowed was made using a bizarre sort of contraption where MC Lord Magrao didn't actually appear to be physically touching it - I've discovered this to be a Rhythmic Theremin for anyone who is curious! Guillemots are a band determined to be different, making use of their enormous talent to their utmost potential, inspiring awe in anyone who is lucky enough to witness their live performances.

As well as delivering stunning performances of their album songs, and demonstrating their inspiring instrumental talent, Guillemots proved their talent in delivering a fun performance that creates guarantees an amazing night for everyone. They have an incredible boundless energy when they perform, especially Fyfe and MC Lord Magrao who refuse to remain still, fuelled no doubt by the fantastic reception they receive. After closing their set, they inevitably reappeared for an encore and launched straight into current single 'Trains To Brazil' which perfectly propelled the already magical atmosphere out of the Met and into the sky. Showing appreciation and gratitude for such a great reception to their performance, they concluded with the stunning album closer 'Sao Paolo', but not before creating one of the funniest sights I have ever seen in my life. Fyfe Dangerfield informs of us of a ridiculous sounding demo he found on his keyboard that he wants to share with us. But rather than just sharing it, he jumps up onto the stage and does the most ridiculous, rapper style, thrusting dance to accompany it! Absolutely priceless, it is impossible not to love this band, and after seeing them again, I'm head over heels.