I must admit that I am somewhat overjoyed to see that relative newcomer Jack Peņate has employed the recently revived tactic of selecting a local support act for each date of his tour. My joys are multiplied several times over though when I read Middleman's name on the door of the venue. The quartet aren't exactly your average four piece which is refreshing on Leeds' music scene where there seems to, at times, be scope for only a certain formula. For those as of yet unacquainted with the band, their live show offers up an inimitable energy and calibre demonstrated by vocalist Andy and bassist Lee's relentless bounding around a potentially limiting stage. Another enduring factor about Middleman is that they are impossible to categorise: notable inclusions in the set like 'You Look Like You Do' and 'When You're In Love' can be described as genre mash-ups. Traces of ska, spoken word and to an extent rap can be heard throughout. Soon to be released single 'BLAH BLAH BLAH' inevitably gets an airing and the crowd tonight lap it up, showing that witty lyricisms and admirable musicianship are making a comeback, at least if Middleman have anything to do with it.
The room has filled up considerably in time for second support Lethal Bizzle and the general vibe seems to be one of anticipation. And even before the set the signs are apparent as the crowd are already jostling for a good spot... then Lethal Bizzle and crew come onstage and the room goes wild. There isn't another way to describe the ecstasy at the sight of hundreds of white skinny arms pounding the air to Lethal's slick and quick beats. I can't even properly remember the set apart from his brilliant version of House of Pain's 'Jump' and the riot-causing 'Pow! [Forward]'. Even so, his performance is one that will remain buried within the deep recesses of my memory as one where the music and his effortless showmanship actually took me somewhere that I've never been before. Yes, this gig will go with me to my grave as the night when I lost myself in Hip Hop: a naturally indie kid taken in by her polar opposite and brutally [albeit thankfully] opened up to this other world. And I was by no means the only one; Lethal converted the crowd tonight.
Jack Peņate, championed by Zane Lowe on his Radio 1 show quite some time ago was how I came to hear Jack's music and nothing but glowing reports of Jack Peņate live. For the man who penned the self-pitying 'Second, Minute, Hour', 'Learning Lines' with its barren sound and frustrated theme and new single 'Torn On The Platform' which tackles the matter of abandonment, the singer-songwriter really shows us how live is done. I suppose that Jack could be thrown in with the rest of his guitar-armed peers who too bring heartfelt lyrics back to emotionless music in a day when it's deemed 'cool'. However, Jack Peņate appears to be one of the few bringing his music to the fore live and transcending the boundaries of genre with a hip hop and a spoken word-esque supports as well as the genius cover of 'Dub Be Good To Me'.
Gig Date: Sunday, 17th June 2007 | 419 page views.
