Sun Jul 01, 2012 11:08 am by PGroves
Fantastic performance at The Stables last night. Joe Payne adds a whole new dynamic to the band. A standing ovation at interval bears testimony to that. Introduced my niece and great-niece to the band's music for the first time. Have been reading some comments on the forum regarding Joe, some of which are rather harsh. Vocally he adds a lot to the band. No doubt his role in the band will grow and evolve. His theatrical vocal style (dare I say it, shades of Freddie Mercury?) would also not be out of place in a stage musical setting. It is visually engaging and given that it is executed with such intensity, it's hard not to be drawn in, so can threaten to dominate - the point has been made that the other members are static on stage. For this reason, the use of a lead vocalist as regards The Enid is a question of subtlety, whether on record or for the live performances. It's a bold step for the band and one can appreciate, one designed, in part at least. to acquire a wider audience. Being a recent convert (I never saw them in the 80's), I am accustomed to the vocals being largely choral. Last night's performance was such that the set list contained the right balance and therein lies the key.