Limelight 2, Belfast
Thursday, 3rd October 2013
Rising from the ashes of former local heavyweights “In Case Of Fire”, are fresh trio Flaws. Fronted by original In Case of Fire member Stuart Robinson, Flaws also see Adam Booth and Thomas Camblin reclaim their roles on bass and behind the kit. The group play a short set of new material, not straying too far from the hard rock we’re used to hearing from the collective.
Next we are treated to David C. Clements with a full five-piece band accompaniment, and in this form he truly excels. All does not go to plan straight away however, a broken string on David’s beautiful ruby guitar a minor blip, but it doesn’t faze him.
Bangor songwriter Foy Vance has cited Clements as the cream of the local crop and the similarities between the two are apparent throughout. Clements’ searing vocal drives are brimming with ethereal spirit, the band’s sound effortlessly filling out the venue. The performance is packed with swooning wonders which catch your ear instantly, ‘Flow River, Flow’ delighting with it’s broad sweeping melodies.
The quality of Clement’s songwriting is what shines through, his tender love songs overflowing with beautiful imagery. The emotive ‘My Dear Mother’ chirps in as the subtle show stealer, a stunning illustration of David’s incredible musicianship. Based on showings like this, anticipation will only continue to grow for his touted future release.
Levity Breaks begin in darkness, slowly the lights flicker to reveal the band lit up by an artistic projection. A fun throwback to the days of shows at Auntie Annies. An impressive crowd gathers in the venue, with frontman Marty McLoughlin expressing his humble gratitude for their support. The alt-rockers repay their followings’ good faith with a focused rendition of EP title track ‘Maudlin’.
The inclusion of a violinist is a welcome addition and during her fleeting appearances she links up well with the more immediate pop songs in their armoury. The group briefly skews into “Yellowcard” territory, but they fail to fully commit to it. ‘Home and The Wolf’ ascends as their most progressive song, with McLoughlin raising a confident smile as he delivers his Guy Garvey-esque vocals.
The strong influence of Snow Patrol cascades during the chorus of ‘First World’, which nestles somewhere between ‘Crack The Shutters’ and ‘Chocolate’. But the Craigavon four-piece come across more like Birmingham’s Editors, with the rhythm section of The Script. Songs often fall flat, their lack of a distinct sound disappointing.
What Levity Breaks can’t be faulted for is effort. They’re an act who have obviously worked hard on developing a professional set up, delivering a live show with slick presentation. There are flashes of a band that could progress into a dynamic prospect, but risks need to be taken and new ideas tried out. You can’t help but feel their music is being blinded by the dreams of arena lights, paralysed by their determination to create anthemic radio friendly riff-raff. Lacking an ace in the pack, they were overshadowed on the night by David C. Clements who continues to grow into one of our finest performers.
Peter Cinnamond
