Diamond Family Archive review
On Monday May 7th The Greys in Brighton played host to local bands The Diamond Family Archive and The Sons of Noel and Adrian. The Greys is a great little pub, based in Hanover, an area of Brighton associated with teachers, multi coloured jumpers, muesli, and local legend Bobek. I used to live a stones throw away from the pub, and often popped in for a fine ale or belgian beer, but had never been to one of their famous gigs and thought I should take the chance before I moved to the more edgy Elm Grove district last week (its now a 5 minite walk to The Greys instead of 1, could not possibly make it there for a gig now).
The Sons of Noel and Adrian are notable for having former Hope of the States violinist Mike Siddell in the band, along with member of a lesser known local band Shoreline. There are also loads of them. The stage at the greys is tiny, and Noel and Adrian had far too many sons to fit on that stage. They were spilling all over the floor, stacked on top of each other, violins, guitars, charangos, cellos, flutes, accordians, drums, whistles, cornets, and even a banjo flailing all over the place. Organisation aside their sound is certainly a big one. They play what is essentially one folk song for half an hour, layering on different instruments in an unfettered belief that more is best. I too hold that belief from time to time, it certainly seems to work with the arcade fire. Not so sure here, I would rein it in a bit and let the songs speak for themselves, but nobody can find fault with Mike’s blistering electric violin solo shaking the little pub apart on a Monday.
The Sons of Noel and Adrian live at The Greys
[youtube UQ070hAD5Tc]
I first saw The Diamond Family Archive supporting Califone back in February at The Hope. In fact, I’ll discuss that gig first. That day, when me and guest writer Graham saw Lawrence, the main man from the band, take the stage with his hat and huge beard we were expecting some sort of country music, perhaps even skiffle. We were not expecting to hear some of the most moving songs ever performed live. Lawrence played alone, and used looped guitars and keyboards to create a unique electronic barely there sound. He then sang incredibly sad songs over the loops, looking close to tears at some points – perhaps nerves or intense emotional instability? We hoped the later, it made the gig seem incredibly alive, as if the singer could break at any moment. Everyone held their breath for duration of the set, willing him on, you could hear a pin drop. The songs were so beautiful, I was close to tears myself! After he finished you could hear people murmuring how amazing it was, yet still nobody dared speak! He quietly left the room, and his assistant was faced with a barrage of people wanting to buy CD’s. I have never seen an unknown support act capture the room like that.
The gig at The Greys did not compare to this first sighting. Since watching Lawrence for the first time I learnt he is an established local musician, often nervous, but probably not liable to break down on stage. Magic and myth was destroyed, and of course Lawrence’s confidence far greater at this headline gig amongst friends somewhat reducing the atmosphere brought about before. Look out for a support slot, catch Lawrence at his most afraid and you will see something truly wonderful. If you can’t do that though second best is to see him at one of his many smaller dates around the city. Still highly recommended, and see if you can spot the rest of his band, as I’m not sure they exist at all. At the very least, please watch these videos and head over to his myspace to listen to the songs. You won’t regret it!
Diamond Family Archive – A golden fire
[youtube jX9ZLJZbR_U]
Diamond Family Archive – Mother live at Oxfam
[youtube KSVhyHz7940]
Diamond Family Archive – My Life
[youtube of6kiMM87qo]