The bizarre combination of ex-Spiritualized
guitarist Jason Hart, with ex-Lighthouse Family writer, Paul
Tucker leaves me fearing the worst as I walk into the Carling Academy in Newcastle.
Witnessing the partnership was always going to be a little like observing the
collaboration between a wedge of Gorgonzola and a pinch of outdated pop with a
slice of ‘alternative’ Red Leicester. The prospect was intriguing to say the least,
especially as I was, and still am, sceptical of such a strange and unlikely partnership
ever working in the first place. Sadly the intrigue doesn't last long. Playing
in their home town, the Orange Lights are dressed in all black with music
is that is, unfortunately, as dull and plain as their clothes. Described by one
very brave hack as one of the best, unsigned acts in the world, they stand lethargically
on stage droning out song after song to an unimpressed, largely jaded audience. Tonight
these veteran Geordies play in front of around 200 people. Most are at the venue
for the ruckus of Arctic Monkeys and Libertines tunes that start soon after the
gig - a weekly music night that is popular with the rock and indie lovers of the
city. On Saturdays it seems the majority of the crowd are looking for vibrant,
inspiring music that will get them dancing all night long, until dawn breaks.
Playing the melodic, sensual music that the Orange Lights play is naturally a
bit incongruous, and you have to question why their management team booked the
band to play there when the subtleties and flights of their plaintive, insular
music is likely to have gone down better at a book club. Playing tracks
from their debut album, 'Life Is Beautiful' recorded with Coldplay producer,
Ken Nelson, we find the boys struggling to reach first base and tap into that
rich seam of veteran confidence hinted at in their press release. The band’s first
song ‘Let The Love Back In’ is the best effort of a bad bunch, but for the most
part, it’s still poorly received. When the band kicks into the heavier sections
of the song the crowd do seem briefly interested, but this involvement is short-lived.
No sooner have the band snatched casual indifference from the jaws of outrageous
apathy than people begin to fidget and find solace in alcohol. The songs
keep to the same rhythm throughout the gig and despite the crisp, fresh vocals
of Hart, the songs lack that killer bite. And as Snow Patrol and Athlete were
creating this music two or three years ago you could hardly credit it with being
original either. Let’s face it; when the biggest cheer of the night is reserved
for the return of the DJ around midnight, you realise the band are as popular
as a Gallagher in an Albarn household. Sadly, the band is good at what it
does. Orange Lights play basic vocal driven music well, which although far from
exciting, could be heaven on earth for those faint-hearted souls who get their
kicks from bands like Keane and Coldplay. I'm not the greatest fan of Mr
Brightside but I'm with the audience on this one. Relevant sites:
http://www.myspace.com/theorangelights
Matt Diner for Crud Magazine 2006©
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01/06 NME Shows 2006
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01/06 Shout Out Louds - Live - Leeds, Cockpit
01/06 Airlines, Flights, Terror Plot July 2006
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