Submotion Orchestra / Catching Flies [Live Review – Concorde 2, Brighton, 12/3/2016]
Live music can be a harsh, unforgiving world. Every time a band steps onstage, anything could happen – and they have to deal with it in the moment, right there in front of an audience. On paper, this was already a risky show for Submotion Orchestra, as they prepared to present old and new tunes alike in a totally new way.
Colour Theory collaborators Catching Flies (87%) did a great job of warming up punters coming in from the cold. Concorde 2 is situated right on Brighton’s seafront – and walking from chilled sea air into waves of deep bass and soothing jazztronica is a great way to start an evening off. Slowly the gently grooving crowd grew, and I’m sure Catching Flies made a few new fans before Submotion Orchestra (97%)…
…completely, completely nailed it.
With SubMo vocalist Ruby Wood taking time off from touring to focus on motherhood, a lot of last night’s gig-goers no doubt felt a little dubious about how it was all going to go. After all, a vocalist is obviously a key part of a band’s sound – and although Submotion Orchestra are as well-known for their instrumentals as they are for what I overheard someone refer to as “songy songs,” hearing said songy songs performed live by not just one, but three different vocalists was definitely an experience that on paper could have gone either way.
In reality, though, it was spectacular. Drilling straight through the instrumental Doppelgänger, SubMo hit the moment of truth as first guest vocalist Alyusha took the stage to fill in for Ruby Wood on Red Dress. Alyusha won over the Concorde 2 from line one; her vocal style shares significant similarities with Ruby Wood’s own, but there’s a unique, delicate vulnerability in there too – and it works so, so well with the rest of Submotion Orchestra backing her up.
Moving through Time Will Wait, Alyusha’s confidence grew – and by the time it was time for Blind Spot, she was absolutely captivating. Performing at world-class level in front of a crowd used to hearing Ruby Wood’s voice lead a pair of SubMo classics is not an achievement to be sniffed at; fair play to Alyusha right there.
Next up: instrumental break Amira, followed by the introduction of Billy Boothroyd for More Than This – his own signature track from Colour Theory. Then, Boothroyd’s own trial by fire in the form of 1968 – and again, nobody could doubt the strength and confidence of Boothroyd’s vocal. Two new vocalists; two equal successes.
Guest vocalist number three: Andrew Ashong, joining the show on short notice after jumping on a train to Brighton especially for this set and a run-through of Needs from Colour Theory. Considering how quickly this part of the set was put together, it was great, chilling things out before Kimono brought proceedings back up to speed and Alyusha returned for the classic (and personal SubMo favourite) It’s Not Me It’s You. That track always goes over well live – and the crowd response shifted up a notch, with barely a single set of hips staying stationary.
One more Boothroyd Test in the form of In Gold – which to be honest I wasn’t sure would work with a male vocal at all. I was so wrong. Billy Bothroyd has such a strong voice, and In Gold just proved it; he really fuelled that track at Concorde 2. Nice job!
Another personal favourite: Thousand Yard Stare. In a word: Yes. Submotion Orchestra’s backline have played this one so many times, and it seriously showed in the sheer playfulness and boundary-pushing attitude they were pouring into it. Easily the heaviest, most intense moment in the set – and an undeniable personal highlight.
Moving toward the end, all three SubMo guest vocalists returned for Alium closer Worries, their voices blending together beautifully – and following a short encore, Billy Boothroyd took on and took over Hymn For Him.
One song left: All Yours. Alyusha’s effortless rendition of SubMo’s biggest signature tune floored the place. Add in a stunning trumpet solo courtesy of Bobby Beddoe, and you have the perfect ending to a night that saw so many risks taken – and every single one paid off in full.
Honestly, if you’re at all on the fence about seeing Submotion Orchestra on their current tour just on the basis of their temporary live lineup change…just do it. Buy a ticket and do all you can to get to the show. It’s not an experience you’ll have a chance to have again – and it is unmissable.
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Submotion Orchestra official website.
Billy Boothroyd official website.
Andrew Ashong on Facebook and Twitter.
Catching Flies on Facebook and Twitter.
Image © Chris Hargreaves.