Hidden Machine Presents: White Male Actors, The North Sea, Those Ghosts
Voodoo, Belfast
Thursday 30th October, 2014
Across The Line found ourselves in Fountain Street’s gigging hot-spot Voodoo, for the launch of White Male Actors’ latest EP. Hosted by Hidden Machine promotions, the feeling of excitement was evident from the moment we entered the venue, the audacious fancy dress code acknowledged by almost everyone present. With that in place it was time to see if the music could match the production…
Boasting a more mature sound, Strabane’s Those Ghosts made for a fine opener. The band’s decision to take an extended break from gigging has clearly had the desired effect, as from opening track ‘Bullets’ they looked a refreshed and tight unit. Lead guitarist Gerard Brolly's Edge-like riffs continue to carry much of Those Ghosts’ songs forward, his use of reverb adding a new dimension to the well-recognised indie format. Crucially Those Ghosts carry an anthemic quality which, if not quite ready to fill stadiums just yet, will see them at least heading that way. This was no less prevalent than on big single "Not Waiting for the End", a simply gorgeous song.
Dublin’s the North Sea's atmospheric alt-rock echoed around Voodoo from the moment they arrived on stage. Embarking on the final date of their recent ‘In Love’ tour, they could have been forgiven for lacking a certain zest in their performance; on the contrary, they instead demonstrated an ambient swagger that had the crowd dancing within minutes. Front man Eoin Kenny's command of the stage was intoxicating, swaying with fervour as his Jeff Mangum inspired vocal further captured an audience already engrossed in the sound. With a new album ready for release next year, The North Sea are one to watch out for.
Headliners White Male Actors proved their worth from early on, a wave of cohesive, powerful alt-rock washing through the venue. The bands undoubted gem in their arsenal, ’31 Years’, (their ode to American legends REM) remains a high point of their set, getting a great reaction from the crowd. An explosive wall of sound was also showcased effectively, on a night where their punkier edge was allowed to blossom to an appreciative crowd. Everything from their on stage chat between tracks, to the closely co-ordinated ‘Busted Jump’ to mark the end of their set, showed a band full of confidence and enjoying every minute of it.
In all, Hidden Machine once again produced a line-up of interest, diversity & above all, quality. A great night with an unbeatable atmosphere.
Taylor Johnson
