First visit for us, to the legendary Rock City venue in Nottingham. It’s a dreary wet and windy night and it becomes the task of Bitter Ruin to entertain. A two-piece from Brighton, Bitter Ruin consists of Georgia Train, the bubbly, artistic, leading lady and Ben Richards talented guitarist and vocals.
Richard’s at times almost classical guitar is the perfect backdrop for Georgia’s amazing vocal power and range. The songs are stories and are portrayed by the changing character of Georgia’s onstage movements and voice. Matt Lucas is a special guest on one song, which grabs the crowd’s attention a little bit more but, his presence does not detract from the band themselves who still seem to be unsigned, I presume, until someone needs a song for the next James Bond movie. Yes they have that amount of talent.
The long awaited return of Ben Folds Five is very welcome. Ben, Darren and Robert hit the stage with smiles on their faces and leave it close on two hours later beaming. Everyone is on top form with a new album under their belts and a catalogue of oldies that the crowd sing a-long-to and bounce-a-long to all evening.
It’s one of those nights where the place is packed, yet there is no movement to, from, the bars or loos, everyone just wants to soak up the moment. A tremendous show. As you would expect the new songs stand well alongside the old and it's an extensive set played tonight. Let’s hope this is an on-going reunion!
Pete
Set List
Michael Praytor, Five Years Later
Missing the War
Hold That Thought
Jackson Cannery
Cold and Composed
Erase Me
Alice Childress
Sky High
Draw A Crowd
Landed
Battle of Who Could Care Less
Uncle Walter
Brick
Do It Anyway
Tom and Mary
Philosophy
Kate
Narcolepsy
Emaline
Army
Encore:
Song for the Dumped
Underground