Tom McShane album launch - Oh Yeah, Belfast
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Tom McShane album launch
Oh Yeah Centre, Belfast
Friday 22nd June 2012
Having battled with the weather to attend tonight鈥檚 album launch, the doors of the Oh Yeah Centre have never looked so welcoming, but, despite the torrential rain, gig-goers are keen and the venue soon shows its numbers. Tonight鈥檚 support act takes to the stage in the form of the lovely singer-song writer Tony Wright, of . As infectious as ever, Tony kicks into his acoustic-pop filled set with a tortured number, with the harmonica making an entrance early on. Despite claims of having a bad cold, you could never tell as his usual enthusiasm shines through in his flawless performance. Set staples such as 鈥淵ou Can鈥檛 Win Back Your Freedom鈥 and 鈥淏ig Red Van鈥 have the crowd tapping along.
Next up tonight is the main reason for grabbing our umbrellas and heading out at all, . As he takes to the stage, with a humble introduction to his new release, he starts into the delicate first song from The Ural Winter. Soon we are treated to the title track, and a little insight into the inspiration of its birth, with thick bass lines and gentle guitar complimenting the song-writer鈥檚 sweet vocals.
The stage is packed with talented musicians, including allies from the making of the album, and it makes for a beautiful arrangement. As the crowd listen attentively, McShane and friends make their way through the album without any major hiccups, engaging us throughout. There is a real analogue atmosphere tonight, which makes it special. There are lots of elements to the music and it is clear a lot of hard work has gone into the making, and the 'heart-on-your-sleeve' style lyrics make it all relatable.
Shadier corners of the album, and set, are found in 鈥淟ove is Hard鈥, with eerie violin melodies, broken up with light whispers of the keys and beautifully dark female vocals, reminiscent of Mark茅ta Irglov谩 of . Soulful trumpet is dispersed throughout the set, with a mentionable solo in 鈥淢y Nadir鈥 later on. Tom reaches out for help from the crowd to partake in some humming, and even with a practice run our efforts don鈥檛 do the band justice. We can鈥檛 help but feel the album has been aptly named, as it seems perfectly appropriate on this rainy night in June, and it sure warms you up.
Sara Larkham
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