 | | The Magic Numbers |
After storming the London clubs in 2005, it's time to see if the Numbers can recapture the form that produced one of the year’s hottest albums. They take to the stage and unfurl an enormous banner of them looking decidedly happy leaning against a wall. This will be an enjoyable night; no posturing, no screaming and the audience certainly won't be moshing at the front. It's always great to see a band who are genuinely enjoying themselves and the Numbers really seemed at one with each other. Oddly enough, the shrinking violet of the group is frontman Romeo Stoddart. Clearly an incredible musician, even in the most complex riffs and solos, he rarely alters position and often steps out of the limelight to let his sister, Michelle, take centre stage. She’s an incredible bassist, didn't miss a beat when she strutted to the front in rock chick style and stood, silhouetted, in front of the baying fans. Disappointingly, the slower numbers were met with a level of antipathy from the crowd. The chatter in the auditorium went up and it was clear that the audience wanted the more upbeat happy-go-lucky tunes that have brought the Magic Numbers to where they are now. They ended with a roaring version of Love Me Like You, which had the masses whipped in a frenzy, before returning and playing a soft country rock tune for the encore. Weird, different and totally worth watching. | 
