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Sometimes a review writes itself. Sometimes there is simply no way a band are going to turn in a poor performance, and tonight is one of those nights. Local heroes Kubichek! On their return to their native Newcastle, would have had to make a concerted effort to put a foot wrong. Thankfully, they did not disappoint, and a packed Academy 2 was treated to a scorching hour of post punk nihilism. The support wasn't bad either.
Unless you are Maximo Park, art-rock doesn't go down all too well in Newcastle, where it is often deemed a bit too clever for its own good. It was praise indeed for Battle, then, that their brand of quirky, manic art-rock was lapped up by the assembled masses. 'Demon' went down an absolute storm, but it was fan favourite 'The Longest Time' which defined the set, and ensured that more than a few people would be getting hold of the debut album by this truly exciting band.
Of course, the real reason for the sold out signs appearing on the door was the return of the band many are tipping to be the next Newcastle success story. Having played a triumphant set at Leeds Festival just days earlier, they came home with just one aim in mind - to blow the room off the Academy. The building may still be intact, but I get the feeling the surveyors will be calling round to inspect the damage.
Opening with the awesome 'Roman Is Better', Kubichek! started as they meant to go on. The tangible vitriol spat by vocalist Al McDonald gave the song an ecstatic vitality not present in the recorded version, and showed why Kubichek! are a band that need to be seen live to appreciate.
Like any local boy feeling trapped and trying to break free, Kubichek!'s real strength is in masking despair as exhuberence. 'Hometown Strategies' berates the pride many feel in a place because it is where they grew up, whilst the awesome 'Nightjoy' rails against the patterns people fall into because they've 'been here every thursday for the past five year'. It sums up so many nights, in so many dodgy venues, that we can all feel a sense of familiarity in the truthfulness of it all.
The real highlight of the evening though is a simply sublime take on 'Stutter'. Their emotionally charged signature tune is delivered in a way which few in the room would not be moved by. If any one track deserves to catapult them into the visage of national recognition, this is it.
Local bands will always get an easy ride at a homecoming show, but that doesn't always mean the reception isn't deserved. Tonight Kubichek! proved just why they are gaining fans nationwide, and why they just might be the band to kickstart the Newcastle scene again. It's just a shame every band in the city can't be this good.
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article by: Tommy Jackson
photos by: Tommy Jackson
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| published: 17/09/2007 15:36 |
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