West Cumbria’s indie Sub-culture was handed an 80 capacity, intimate live experience with a musical legend. On this occasion, Threads Sessions presented the accomplished musician: John Power. Among his extensive catalogue of songs is 3 albums worth of material as a solo musician. Several anthemic Britpop belters from Cast and of course the timeless classics from The La’s infectiously successful eponymous record.
The evenings support came from Whitehaven’s own illustrious talent, Gav Mckew. Playing a mixture of exceptional originals and welcomed covers he got the Redstripe-fuelled, Fred Perry wearing audience warmed up for the main act. John Power took to the stage accompanied by fellow former La’s member, Jay Lewis. From the strike of the first chord it was clear the crowd was in for a musical masterclass. The experienced composition between Power and Lewis was immaculate from the outset. The crowd watched on with appreciation; every excitement-filled melody was engaged by a raspy vocal that only a Liverpudlian can achieve. Power authenticated his songs like it was his natural communication.
The energised ‘Electrify’ got the crowd foot tapping. ‘Small Farm’ was a demonstration of John Powers’ outward thinking that’s obtained in his song writing. The song is about being brought up in a city and dreaming of a perfect utopia of tranquillity and fulfilled surroundings: “I think I’ve found a place where we can go / Raise a family and call it home”. ‘Mariner’ was a religious-like moment. Powers delinquent song writing was perfectly composed with euphonious rhythm, the vocal followed each melody effortlessly.
Each song was played with a calmness only an artist from the Britpop era can acquire. Expeditiously moving through each track with little talk in between, Power proceeded to play Cast anthem ‘Sandstorm’. From the first line the crowd interacted singing in unison: “I’ve got a sandstorm / Blowing in my head”. The song was an illustration of Powers gift – writing successful, classic pop hooks. Power and Lewis played well orientated, tightly structured guitar solos, effortlessly in sync with one another – all the charm you’d expect from a composition by former members of The La’s. As the set was moving on alarmingly quickly, Power subsequently treated the crowd to another Cast classic ‘Walkaway’. With the whole audience singing the words back, I can only imagine how nostalgic it felt for Power. They left the audience with the foot-stomping ‘Alright’ – easily the highlight of the night. Each lyric was juxtaposed by the frenetic crowd.
It’s not often you’re in the midst of a musical masterclass, last night was definitely one of them.
Forthcoming future gigs by Threads include: The Inspiral Carpets, former Catfish and the Bottlemen member Billy Bibby, Tommy Scott from Space and The Farm (Acoustic). All tickets and details can be found at: http://threads-clothing.com/en
Words by Aaron Spencer