Damon Gough (or Badly Drawn Boy) is something of an institution in these northern parts, after garnering a respectable following with his first three EPs, then going on to blow the competition out of the water in winning the 2000 Mercury Prize with his debut album 'The Hour of Bewilderbeast'. To have the opportunity to see Gough perform live is in itself rare, as he often handpicks which shows he wishes to take part in; most of which are for charitable causes. Tonight's show at the Royal Northern College of Music (or RNCM) was therefore the cause of much anticipation in the city and as the indie-folk legend took to the stage, he too exclaimed how good it was to be back in his hometown.
The small to medium-sized theatre was the perfect venue for this intimate and awe-inspiring look to the past and to the future, as Gough performed a selection of tracks from his debut album, from the hugely popular 'About A Boy' film score and from his subsequent albums. The crowd were also treated to first performances of some of the tracks from his latest album, entitled 'It's What I'm Thinking Pt.1 Photographing Snowflakes'. A slow yet steady shift from indie-folk, to indie-pop, to rock was apparent throughout the retrospective showcase, yet each track was classic Gough, highlighting his versatile skills as a song writer and his undeniable stage presence.
Kicking off his extended set with a couple of notable career highlights, including the title track, 'Is There Nothing We Could Do?' from the soundtrack to the 2009 TV drama 'The Fattest Man in Britain'; Gough's soothing tones medicated the crowd to such an extent that a visible glow of contentment rested overhead; admittedly for me, this could have been due to the fact that I was also kicking back with a tea and a tub of wine gums. It is the very same tone that makes Gough such a popular and obvious choice for composing such soundtracks to emotive TV and Film dramas. 'The Shining' from 'The Hour Of Bewilderbeast' was warmly received as expected, as was 'All Possibilities' from his third album 'Have You Fed The Fish?'. Gough joked that the crowd might be perhaps bored or slightly aggrieved at hearing the second track, especially if they had ever experienced any particular negative incidents at Comet. 'Above You, Below Me' and 'A Minor Incident' from the 'About A Boy' film score followed, as Gough mesmerised the crowd with his musical craftsmanship on acoustic guitar and harmonica. The second track was dedicated to Gough's Auntie Pam, who happened to be sat in front of my friend and I; cue much teary-eyed applause and other such displays of pride.
It was very much a family affair on the night, as Gough's ten year old daughter Edie joined her father on stage to perform 'The Time of Times' from 'Born In The UK. Gough has often cited Bruce Springsteen as one of the main influences on his music; the aforementioned album therefore, being his personal tribute and answer to 'Born In The USA'. Gough is a very emotionally charged performer, never more so than when surrounded by his family, so tonight's show was particularly touching in that respect, as he regaled the crowd with tales of Edie's birth and of his own feelings at seeing his children grow up. 'Once Around The Block' and 'This Song' followed, before Gough said that he wanted to welcome his band to the stage and to perform some new tracks off his most recent album 'It's What I've Been Thinking'. To the audible and visible in the case of my friend delight of the crowd, none other than Scunthorpe's finest export, Stephen Fretwell, took to the stage to accompany Gough on bass. The band was made up of drums, keyboards, electric and bass guitarists and they sounded clear and connected; giving the impression that they were used to performing together over the years, such is the intricacy of the friendship and gigging circles in and around Manchester.
The first track off the new album to be performed was 'Too Many Miracles', which has a perfect indie-pop beat and is full of lyrical intrigue and regret. The track is accompanied by a beautifully animated short video, directed by Sam Mason. Well worth a look if you have the chance or inclination. 'I Saw You Walk Away' followed, another track from Gough's latest album, which he put together from a collection of melodies that he had brainstormed and produced, originally for fellow Mancunians, Doves. Gough said that this track had turned out to be his favourite from the new album. The man is clearly a perfectionist in his artistry; starting a handful of songs again after clearly deeming them not to have been sufficiently represented, if they hadn't, the faults were certainly minor and largely indistinguishable. I like the fact that Gough is a down to earth, unassuming character, with a typical self-deprecating northern humour; I find these traits all the more heart-warming when you take in to account the brilliance of his song writing talent.
After taking a short break in order to refuel after playing several emotionally-charged tracks, Gough returned to perform 'Walking Out Of Stride'. This is another track from the 'About A Boy' film soundtrack, which he said that he had only recently started performing live at shows. 'Shake The Rollercoaster' is an early track from his first EP, released in 1997, so this was a special treat to hear performed live. My favourite Badly Drawn Boy track followed; 'Something To Talk About'. I could never tire of this track; I find something else that I love about the lyrics with every listen and they never fail to transport me to various times and places in my life, all completely unrelated, such is the power of the melody and lyrical imagery. My favourite lyric from the song is "...you've got to let me in or let me out"; simple, yet effective, as the best lyrics often are. Gough then asked the crowd for requests and was greeted by much shouting and excitement.
Choosing to perform 'Born In The UK' from the album of the same name, Gough dedicated the track to Oliver and Rebecca, who were in the audience tonight and who had got engaged that day. Gough mused that he hoped that the wedding wouldn't be in five year's time, as he believes engagements should be short... "if you're going to do it, just do it, get to McDonalds and do it there and then." I share the sentiment, perhaps not the venue though! The sublime 'Silent Sigh' came next and was genuinely one of my live music highlights of the past few years; such a beautiful track to hear in such an intimate atmosphere and Gough's vocals were as always pitch-perfect. Choosing to close the show with the track that made him realise that he wanted to "do something with his life", Gough performed Springsteen's classic 'Thunder Road'. The appreciation for the Bolton-born wordsmith was deafening as he thanked the crowd and declared that he was proud to come from the North, specifically the Manchester region and it certainly appeared that that pride was returned in multiple measure.
There are many institutions, people and places that have been given the title of 'The Pride of the North'; and in my opinion, Badly Drawn Boy more than deserves his place amongst them and long may he occupy it.
article by: Shelley Hanvey
photos by: Zoe Lawson
published: 26/10/2010 12:22
FUTURE GIGS
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