The irrepressible Breathe journeyed from York to Blakey during the middle of last month to illuminate one of the highest points of North Yorkshire. The Lion Inn, Blakey is certainly making a name for itself with it's "alternative" range of acts supplying entertainment for music enthusiasts.
I had heard of Breathe but had
never witnessed a live performance until they supported Chris
Helme, again at Blakey, a few months ago. I was very impressed
then with the strength of the material and the outlandish application.
So, it was with no hesitation that we journeyed to Blakey to see
a full set of the boys.
The T&B Specialists started off the night, a thumping R'n'B/Soul outfit from York, good stuff, maybe the bass was a touch too loud, but a sturdy and resolute performance.
The main attraction are Breathe. Now if
you've never seen Breathe before, it's an odd experience. Some
bands don't portray themselves very well between numbers, which,
to me, shows insecurity, nerves and inexperience, which all bands
have to go through. Breathe, well, just try shutting Justin up!
If you dare! Justin is the complete performer, outrageous yet
charismatic, indifferent yet prestigious. Breathe have a few middling
years behind them now, and it shows, they have finally found their
niche. Classy, polished and memorable original numbers flow out
as if they were already formidable chart hits. They look comfortable
and sound awesome. Although the band have existed for a few years,
it seems over the last year they have found a format that really
works and this secret - they're doing exactly what they want to
do. It's a bit of a post punk/rock trip with the emphasis firmly
on energy.
The chaotic and vivacious flirt seemlessly with the control and application. The tunes, well, again the humour is well apparent with tunes like "She Walks Like John Wayne" and "She's Got A Face Like A Slapped T**t" tells you some of the story, but not all. Although the titles conjure up slapstick and mock humour, there is a real seriousness amongst it all. They grip you, flatterise your appetite for melody and send that "buzz" through the system we call emotion, because they do have emotion. Justin prowls the stage and soaks up the charge, the lads on the backline deliver precise and full staunch post punk rock. Breathe apply more such memorable tunes as "Stupid Town" a right kick ass' rockin' melody-driven, up-beat procession. Even supplying a sleazy, cheesy toilet interlude for patrons who popped off to the little boys room. "Little Boy Lately" with the wonderful line "the meek will inherit the earth, but how long will they keep it" keeps up the presence and quality of inspiring tunes. "Bigger Hats" and a new track "Supermodel". More than an hour of original numbers then paved the way for the first cover in the shape of The Undertones' "Teenage Kicks" and then in encore territory a quite exquisite rendition of The Clash's "Should I Stay Or Should I Go", a rocked-up version of Madonna's "Into The Groove" and then into the late 90's with Blur's "Song Two".
The backline of Rich Tull on guitar, Alun Hughes on bass and Dave Chadwick on drums is well groomed and is as well applied as you could hope for. It's tight, organised and well polished. The crowd at Blakey were responsive enough to create atmosphere, but animated enough for Justin to lash his wit indiscriminately at the poor souls who dared to even contemplate heckling, I have to say this distracts slightly from the songs and the fluency of the set is disrupted, but it's bloody funny, Justin is the purveyor of grevious bodily harm with the tongue.
Summing up, Breathe are a force, their enigmatic tunes have hooks and character, their application is dedicated and decisive. Their prominence is enthusiastic and vigourous, and their diligence critical, great tunes that are conveyed perfectly, you will never ever forget a Breathe performance. First class.
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