The evening starts with a
scene I was utterly unprepared for approaching Union Chapel… hundreds
of metal fans queuing to get into a church, something I have never seen
before!
Into the church and before long the support act Hazlitt (Writing
and performance credits include “The Quest” campaign for Addidas run
during the 2010 world cup) appear on stage for an excellent ethereal
musical opening. The scene is set beautifully for
the upcoming album with the haunting vocals and orchestral backing, then
after a little too long for those of us sitting there in anticipation,
Devin Townsend comes on after introductions all round a quick check to
make sure everyone knew what they were letting
themselves in for, a quiet show!
Opening with the superb Fly the evening quickly enveloped me in an
almost trance like state, the music and the location culminating in a
sense of relaxation, enjoyment and complete absorption in the music made
the gig excellent. Particular stand outs for
me were "Blackberry" and the three bonus tracks played at the end. Having
wondered how the gig would end as the album pretty much just fades out
these slightly heavier and more lively tracks were the perfect ending to
bring the crowd round from the peaceful,
blissful atmosphere of the night.
The only slight niggles that almost prevented full marks being awarded are
the long gap between the support act and Devin and the Ghost band coming
on served to detract slightly from the atmosphere that had built up,
and the microphone for Kat Epple’s vocals, which
were exceptionally good, was slightly too quiet at times. However, as these were minor points and I had an outstanding evening it felt too picky to take marks away!
The intimate venue holding a maximum capacity of 800, with its high
ceilings and beautiful architecture was the perfect setting for what I
can only describe as a beautiful album. Devin was his usual charismatic
self and ventured into the audience twice
during the evening, once playing guitar up one aisle and down the other
and the after the end of the show walking down both aisles shaking hands
with and thanking as many fans as possible.
All in all a truly amazing gig!
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