The Guillemots review
Way back in 2006 The Guillemots released their first studio album, the Mercury-nominated Through The Windowpane. The record found critical acclaim with its rustic charm and choruses so mighty that singing along was obligatory. It was a record that was natural and honest at a time when bands were being interviewed on T4 before they’d even played a show, but then The Guillemots have always been a breath of fresh air - and this wintry Friday night at Trinity is no different.
Opener Kriss Kross sets the mood for an evening of joyous energy from band and fans alike. Lead singer Fyfe Dangerfield’s vocal is on form – he sure can belt it out and his range reaches far. The Guillemots have a talent for writing choruses that are colossal and they have bags of magnetism.
This year's album Walk the River makes up a fair chunk of tonight’s set and favourites such as Vermillion, and I Don’t Feel Amazing Now are met with an affectionate response from admiring fans. Material from Walk the River reveals The Guillemots' musical dexterity. Their soaring acoustic hooks could have easily found them chart success, but they've chosen a far more considered musical road, not just grabbing every catchy chorus in their reach.
It's a shame that the rural rhythms on tracks like Trains To Brazil and the uplifting Annie, Let’s Not Wait don't quite get the Bristolian dancefloor jumping, but the show isn’t under appreciated. The more mellow spectators tonight are genuinely spellbound by the songs and there are times when those oh-so-beautiful choruses strike a smile on the face of the most committed crossed-arm observer.
There's something really magical about this band playing this venue as winter kicks in. The Guillemots might never get bigger than this, but it doesn’t matter. This is a band who are passionate about the music they make.
Dangerfield looks humbled by the cheers that soar at the riff that kicks off Trains To Brazil. It's well-deserved recognition of their passion and skill. The Guillemots' three albums have earned the band a loyal following with a winning formula: they have beautiful songs, they play them incredibly well and they love doing it.
Duncan Harrison
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