Artist: Deaf Havana
Support: Big Sixes
Venue: Union Chapel, London
Date: 04/04/2013
It must be a daunting enough experience opening for a band like Deaf Havana regardless of the fact that you’re playing acoustically in a church. But Big Sixes step up to the challenge and play to more people over these two nights than they have as a band all year. Hearing a band for the first time can be daunting: the question running through our minds is do they always sound like this?! But regardless of this the band pull off a polished, melodic set which is enough to relax our minds and get our bodies swaying.
After releasing an acoustic version of ‘Fools and Worthless Liars’ a show like tonight’s was an obvious choice. Some of tonight’s show may be predictable due to this: nothings too much of a surprise. But this relaxing evening is perfectly placed within the beautiful surroundings of Union Chapel. There aren’t many venues like this like London so when nights like this come along they’re a true treat.
One thing Deaf Havana are blessed with is versatility. As they open with ‘The Past Six Years’ the tone is set for the whole night of tranquil yet organized chaos. It appears front man James can play almost every instrument there is: although some he doesn’t even know the name for and blames it on “getting drunk and ordering instruments online that I don’t know how to play”. He moves from acoustic to electric guitar, from ukulele to mandolin and even performing an entire song on the drums. Matthew takes centre vocals for ‘Smiles All Round’ but sadly the vocals aren’t turned up quite loud enough to hear the full beauty.
They premier a brand new track from their forthcoming album which is a welcome addition to the set list of re-worked tracks. Some tracks from ‘Meet Me Halfway, At Least’ have been re-worked so many times they sound almost like new tracks altogether. Songs like ‘Friends Like These’ and ‘I’m A Bore, Mostly’ sound like entirely different. The change is a pleasant one.
Tonight’s set is split into two halves with a small interval in the middle – more than likely for the fact that alcoholic drinks can’t be brought inside the venue so everyone can slip outside for a cheeky drink. Deaf Havana are the emphasis of organized chaos as the beginning of a Counting Crows cover doesn’t go quite to plan as Matthew forgets to un-mute the guitar so James plays an acoustic version of ‘You Are Beautiful’ whilst the cause is being identified. As if that wasn’t enough James has a bandage on his finger after an unfortunate incident making a sandwich the night before resulting in a trip to A&E. Emphasis on the word chaos!
As the night draws to a close the obligatory ending of ‘Hunstantion Pier’ kicks in and the crowd sing-a-long and finally get out of their seats to sway along to the band. Deaf Havana’s set isn’t flawless but that’s part of the charm of this band: it’s traditional Deaf Havana. In this sort of setting their true musical talents and James’ voice is shown off. It’s nights like tonight that show, regardless of everything, they are a tight band who know how to work a crowd even if they’re all sat down in the middle of a church.
8/10
Reviewer: Rhian Westbury
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