The Bluetones

The Bluetones came to prominence at the tail end of the 90s britpop era. Some attribute the group’s popularity to their ability to ride off the success of this exploding scene; however they well proved their importance within its infrastructure as well as reminded us why 90s britpop was so appealing in the first place. Their sound was straightforward and catchy, but included enough psychedelic experimentalism to keep things interesting. Their music is not revolutionary so to speak, but this isn’t really what the Bluetones music is concerned about. They are a group who places their attention on creating well structured pop songs and they have proven themselves to be masters at this task. Their live set up is modest, but is highly organized and at times even edgy. They have the traditional bass, drum, guitar, lead vocalist setup but they do wonders with it.
Guitarist Adam Devlin builds lush and multifaceted tones with his guitar, leaving the impression you are listening to much more than just a single six string instrument. His style fluctuates between shimmering pop riffs to crunchy distorted leads. The band attentively follows the direction of each other, toning things down as needed with jazz drum strokes, slowly pulsing bass lines, soft vocal harmonizations or kicking things into overdrive with fast guitars and aggressive vocals. The band makes do with what they have, but nothing they put out is complacent. It is fresh and interesting and exploding with sincerity and purpose. They may have not left as strong as an impression as Blur or Oasis; however, their debut album “Expecting to Fly” did knock them off the number 1 spot on the UK charts. The group has solidified its place in the Britpop cannon as well as left a mark on the underground and indie scene. With their direct and potent approach it is little wonder why.

This band has always been with me, since I first heard Expecting To Fly but, as Mark Morriss alluded to, the relationship between band and fans has had periods of distance. I had last seen them at Shepherd's Bush Empire at the turn of the century, and wondered if they would have lost their sparkle. This, though, was more than just a slight return, if you'll forgive the phrasing.

It was a wonderful evening. Solid support, and when the first bars of Talking To Clarry started, I knew the crowd was in for a treat. And so it proved. I reckoned 20 tracks, six from the debut album, several from Return To The Last Chance Saloon and Science And Nature, all well known and cherished. The Fountainhead a highlight. A couple more from more recent albums - less recognised, but now purchased - including the startling Firefly. And there was a nice touch of a Prince number added in fond tribute.

I won't leave it another 16 years, that's for sure. 3rd September at The Garage, anyone?

Awesome! F'ing Awesome. Nuff said as being from Nottingham I don't know words :) (Oh I need 30 words, wow, I'm not a journo, have you ever read a you tube comment????

Great gig guys, 10/10. I didn't crowd surf unlike 20 years ago, being 16 stone, it might have killed several in the front row and I got kicked out last time (suspended sentence for Manslaugther). Okay is this now 30 words?