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Little Comets - Big Stars

Forget one night in October.
March 14th 2015.
 O2 Academy Newcastle.
The hottest gig in the town.

The native Geordies returned to their homeland, closing their UK tour just in time for Mother's day (they're good lads eh?). Little Comets have become the jewel of the North East indie scene, a benchmark for any alternative lad or lass. To make a long story short: they're the perfect combination of deliciously poetic and idiosyncratic lyrics and infectiously catchy riffs. Not many bands can get an entire room dancing to songs about political hardships, feminism, abortion or social anxiety.

Kicking the night off were "born in the Bay" boys Lisbon. Fresh from their sell out headline show in the O2 the previous month, the group raced through their set list, starting with their upbeat "Rio" and closing with local anthem "Blue Love". Perhaps it was the larger venue or the fact the crowd weren't as pumped as they could have been, but the boys weren't didn't quite live up to their usual charismatic performance. Front man Matthew Varty's banter with the crowd was minimal - such a shame as one of their strengths is the amiability and obvious friendship between the boys. You can see how much they enjoy performing together and consequently they do it well. Regardless, the lads played technically well and Varty still belted out his gritty sound, reinforced by their potent harmonies.

Next up was Scottish born Model Aeroplanes. After listening to their tracks on Spotify before the gig, I was anticipating a catchy ice breaker at best. I couldn't have been more wrong. Their greatest strength is the energy of their live performances, they were utterly electric. The sound was so powerful, evoking an enthusiastic dance from even the most reserved audience members. Whatever 'it' is, these guys have got it. Watch this space...

Then at 8:30 the room was captured by an enticing tease of beautifully familiar music. The aptly entitled opener: "Gift of Sound" from "Hope is just a state of mind", engulfed the room until there wasn't a stationary body in sight. Followed by a surprise but perfectly transitioned classic Isles, the boys had the audience singing along to every word sending their fans into a state of complete eudemonia.

With every song the ambiance grew more heavenly until it was impossible to keep still, everyone was in their element gyrating like there was no tomorrow. The atmospheric crescendo is something that needs to be experienced, not retold. Little Comets know their trade and execute it spectacularly -  far more than a £12.50 ticket would suggest.

As the final note of Adultery resonated, the atmosphere was transformed. Still as electric with the audience hanging on to every syllable of every word, enabling the band to exercise a long neglected duty of music - delivering the messages of the people. The band showed their political flair through 'The blur, the line and the thickest of onions', 'Coalition of One' and 'My Boy William'. Songs so powerful, nobody could deny their glory. In fact the only way they could be improved is when their native folk recite them back at a diaphragm busting dynamic. Rob sang with an army of fellow North Easterners reinforcing their endeavours regarding the political injustice of society and the hardships the north-east have faced. Little Comets make me proud to be from Newcastle.

After warming the hearts of the room, it was time to warm the rest of the body back up, breaking the seriousness with 'Worry'. A song so iconic with a herculean guitar riff, it can only be described as the quintessentially perfect indie rock floor-filler. The band managed to recapture the galvanic atmosphere with a handful of notes.

But all good things come to an end, 'In Blue Music we trust' concluded the epic night. This show was undoubtedly their best yet - emphasis on the yet.
Hats well and truly off to you lads. You've done Newcastle proud.
 

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