Songkick

After my first Songkick-guided gig it’s now time for my first blog! Patrick Watson at the Scala last night was a magical musical treat and I completely fell in love with him, his music and his band for a second time. I was originally exposed to his soft, subtle vocals on Cinematic Orchestra’s ‘To Build A Home’ and I soon after discovered that his album Close to Paradise, most of which he performed last night, is a really apt title. (Ew, cheesy but true!) The Scala is a brilliant venue – I guess I’d describe it as an intimate academy and you can either get close up to the band on the dance floor or chill out with uninterrupted views (and a nice pint) on the balcony. Mostly piano-based, Patrick’s songs were all warm, moving and inspiring. He’s distinctly comparable to Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, Coldplay and a gentle Martin Grech, yet Watson’s voice is more ghostlike, soulful (and less whiney?! Sorry!) than these influences. At times I also heard hints of Nick Drake, Manu Chau and Scott Matthews yet as sorrowful as some songs sounded, Watson’s chat to us between songs kept the mood light and informal. Casually intimate! His band were great too and several times swapped instruments; I wasn’t sure about the tea-cosy the guitarist wore though…
Towards the end of his set Watson relocated to the centre of the room to test out the Scala’s acoustics and capacity of his voice for one song – both proved themselves as the music was carried delicately around the room…a special moment which broke up the standard gig format. If you missed out (shame on you for not using songkick!) don’t worry…Songkick recommends six other similar artists currently on tour! Phew!
Instead of posting a shaky, dark clip of the actual gig, check out this video to one of my favourite songs from Close to Paradise:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRLbpy9KDaY&feature=related

And here’s a dark, shaky photo from last night – see teacosy-sporting guitarist in background. Cute!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldton_tim/2382918861/