Levity Breaks, In An Instant, Paper Man
The Pavilion, Belfast
Friday 24th January 2014
Newtownabbey three piece Paper Man kick off the monthly showcase Breed, in the Pavillion. And for a band that have recently lost a member, they don't look any worse off for it. Launching into a cover of Nirvana's 'School', they look comfortable and composed as they shred and scream their way into the set. The crowd really get into it, as they play 'Eyes' off their latest record 'After Effects' and it sets the tone for a great night. Paper Man is a band with bags of potential, but still all to do.
Next up is Bangor based band In An Instant, and it wasn't too long ago, since I first saw these boys play their first gig at The Menagerie. It's crazy how much they’ve improved since then, and the funny thing is, at the time they were playing at a high standard. From the very first drum beat, it’s clear that everyone is totally hooked and you feel as if you're watching a band that has been on the go for years. A huge cheer goes up in the air, as the first few familiar bars of 'All Binds Fall Undone' are played, and it gets even better as they move into 'The Mighty Hands'.
Much like the previous band there have been some member changes, they've added a keys player in the shape of Richard Crawford, adding another layer to this already full and polished sounding band. If you're into Two Door Cinema Club mixed with the drum stylings of Angels and Airwaves then this band might be right up your street. They leave the stage to chants of “One More Tune”, and judging by their performance tonight, that first gig might be something to brag about in the future.
Finally we're put in the capable hands of Levity Breaks, a band that has been knocking about since 2010. They capture their audiences’ attention immediately with 'Home and the Wolf' from their debut EP 'Maudlin'. They are a band to be taken seriously with their big, epic intros and great harmonies, and they confidently state their intentions with their new single 'Broken Hands'. The soaring vocals of Marty McLoughlin in 'Broken Hands' gives you goose bumps, creating an atmosphere that the likes of Coldplay and Editors would be proud of.
With 'First Word' things change up a bit, to a more upbeat vibe, which has got more synth than previous efforts and has a chorus not too dissimilar to the sort of material you'd hear on Snow Patrol's fifth album, 'A Hundred Million Suns'. Next the band treat us to a new song called 'Let This Day Go On Forever', a soulful, slow ballad that exudes melancholy. The quartet finish off with 'Water Runs Dry' - an uplifting and inspiring tune that caps off an excellent gig. With all the talent they have, hopefully it's only a matter of time before they're noticed. They've pretty much got it all, all they need now is that big break.
James J Magill
