On a bright and sunny afternoon, The Bodega announced rather suddenly that The Amazons would be making an unscheduled appearance in the bar ahead of their Rough Trade show later that evening. Jack Knapton reviews.
If you’re reading this, then there’s a good chance you like live music. I’d also put good money on you being a fan of nice surprises. I wouldn’t put money on you liking free stuff – I don’t think the odds would be worth it. If you agreed with all those statements, but for whatever reason didn’t find yourself at The Bodega at 5pm on September 15th, then I apologise as this article is likely going to seem quite smug. For anyone that did then you too will have been treated to an intimate acoustic session from indie-rock heavy weights, The Amazons.
The Reading-originated foursome have been touring record stores around the UK performing sets celebrating the release of their third album ‘How Will I Know If Heaven Will Find Me?’. On Thursday they descended upon Nottingham, some fans believing they would be unfortunate enough to miss out on the sold-out gig at Rough Trade and would have to wait until October when the band return to play Rock City, to see the lads in action. A kick in the teeth to say the least. However, via late-afternoon Instagram story, a saviour or rather a ‘Northern Star’ revealed itself: 5pm. Bodega. Free entry (+ hangs). Lead singer Matt admitted they weren’t sure how many people would show up to the miniature, unplugged set, given the short notice – the surprise in his tone very noticeable given the packed scene that lie before them.
This quick set redefined the phrase ‘intimate gig’. They played in the downstairs bar area of The Bodega, squeezed in amongst fans, not even a stage separating them. They moved position between every song to give everyone in the bar an ‘on-the-barrier’ experience. Thomson’s completely unaided vocals filled the room, and the sweet tones of Chris Alderton’s mandolin encapsulated the bright and hopeful feeling induced by the new album – from which the majority of songs were taken. They opened with ‘Wait For Me’ (my personal favourite from the album) and followed it with the title track of the record ‘HWIKIHWFM’. The final track from the new album they performed was its first single ‘Blood Rush’. Although I cannot recommend the new record highly enough, and they were incredible to hear live, the best moment of the set was the closing rendition of long-time fan favourite track ‘Junk Food Forever’. The audience were invited to sing and it perfectly summarised the informal, intimate and all-round wholesome atmosphere of the evening.
Following the set, CDs and vinyl records were available for purchase and singing, and all four of the lads were eager to chat with as much of the crowd as they could. Their gratitude and appreciation for everybody that turned out was so genuine and didn’t go unnoticed by the fans who instantly reciprocated it. Jake Longhurst and I, having already chatted with the lads and obtained some signed CDs, were discussing upcoming events for The Mic and University Radio Nottingham (URN), and the recent successes both societies have had. Out of nowhere we heard a shout from a voice familiar to everybody in the bar. Matt waved his way through other crowd members, enthused by what he’d heard and was so keen to discuss the goings on of the University of Nottingham’s media zone. Jake and I being the shameless interviewers that we are decided to seize the opportunity and grab a quick interview from the energetic frontman. We presented him with The Mic’s soon-to-be-classic ‘2 Questions in 2 Minutes’ format and in keeping with his energy displayed throughout the entire evening, he was very happy to play along.
Q: Excluding the members of your own band, we want you to curate your dream line up!
There was no time wasted in answering. Maybe it was something he’d thought about before.
A: That’s easy… Prince on lead vocals and guitar. I would have John Bonham on drums. Flea on bass.
He rattled these first few members of his fantasy line up without any hesitation but finding a lead guitarist was a more difficult decision. After some deliberation though, Matt had a very solid pick that came with ample justification.
A: I’d like Johnny Marr to come in and reign everyone in and say “you know what boys… we can do everything we need to do in three minutes.”
Overall naming a quartet that would sell out the world’s biggest stadiums and take most of our money.
Next, was the second question, that according to is Jake the more serious and important one
Q: In a world where everybody is a human biscuit, what biscuit would you be and why?
The answer again was immediate and instinctive.
A: Custard Creams. I think of Custard Creams with my childhood and going to my grandparents’ house. Bourbons and Custard Creams, but I always preferred Custard Creams.
An honest answer that, according to him, is based on what he thinks his life experiences would shape him into. If I had to answer this question myself, I might be a little more strategic with my answer. That is probably evidence enough that I would not be something as nostalgic and pure as a Custard Cream.
Overall: the best kind of surprise, great music, great people and a truly great album that you should go and buy or stream. The Amazons return to Nottingham on October 9th at Rock City, and if you didn’t manage to make it to Bodega or Rough Trade, it would be silly to miss out again.
Jack Knapton
Edited by: Jake Longhurst
In-article photos courtesy of The Amazons on Facebook and Jake Longhurst respectively.
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