The Junction 2 in Cambridge seems to have cornered the market in interesting support band this past week. Last weekend it was the superb Seeds & Bones and this weekend it was Tom Adams. Unfortunately we missed the first band on, Gaze is Ghost.
Tom makes a whole host of sounds from his guitar as well as his pedals and effects and, a hand held flat board which seems to contain various buttons which change the sound textures as it is waved around. Tom also processes a falsetto voice up there in the range of Jonsi as well, so a very interesting set indeed.
Wooden Arms from Norwich have been getting a fair few mentions from us over the past week, mainly driven from one of our northern correspondents who has fallen under their spell. Tonight the band are on a strictly southern tour which climaxes at St Pancras Old Church in London on Friday (17th Oct).
The six piece band fill the stage as pretty much does their layered symphonic melodies. Their new album 'Tide' features heavily as does old and new songs. With 'Tide' just scraping in at the thirty minutes mark it's a shame the new songs played tonight were not included.
'Tide' was recorded by Wild Beasts and I Like Trains engineer David Pye and the sound of the band does carry the same widescreen song format of those other outfits. Piano, Vocals, Guitar, Trumpet, Guitar,Violin, Cello and drums will give you an idea as to the scope of the band.
The songwriter's of the band Alex Carson (piano) and Jeff Smith (trumpet, guitar), pretty much corner the banter between songs, the former seeming quite excited or nervous perhaps but, when playing their music it all goes to a different and almost celestial level. The songs may better suit a darker stage, with the hint of some swirling dry ice as the budget increases rather than, the bright white lighting they pretty much played their set under.
I would anticipate many more dates and another new LP perhaps from this band for next year. They have real talent for making inspiring music. How about a support slot on a British Sea Power tour?
Pete
Wooden Arms are:
Alex Carson - Piano / Vocals / Guitar
Jeff Smith - Vocals / Trumpet / Guitar
Milly Hirst - Vocals
Jess Diggins - Violin / Vocals
Fynn Titford-Mock - Cello / Vocals
Alex Mackenzie - Drums/Vocals