Although the set was short (35 minutes), Theory Of Everything belted out their material with as much feeling and quality as I had suspected. Starting in a foggy haze of smoke from their smoke machine they launched into 'TV On' (first hearing of this one for me). Impressed? Yes I was! The rest of the set was filled with quality tracks from the album - 'Treacle', 'Return To Eden', 'Ghost', 'Weasel Lip Balm', 'Fear Of Flying' and 'Sleepyhead'. What a treat! Every bit as good as I had hoped!
For me, the set reflected the heavier side of their material but I guess that's driven by the type of audience - in this case 75% student types. I think their choice was wise on the night, although I would have liked to have heard some of their more subtle stuff because that's where you really can hear and appreciate the finer details of Ben's clever, descriptive lyrics.
I think for me, what really sets Theory of Everything apart from many of their contemporaries is the way they used the three part harmonies to such good effect, creating an atmospheric top end to the crescendos of sound below. They created a massive wall of sound that filled the room and sometimes left you wondering where it was all coming from. Added to this there was the brilliant, effects laden guitar work of Simon Bristoll which is where they really did manage to replicate their studio work with its great production. The pile-driving bass (with FX) of Del Carter (very much the most animated of the four members) plundered the inner sanctums of the ears as he drove on and through the songs backed by the excellent, both thumping and at the same time delicate, drumming of the almost invisible Nick Jones - an impressive rhythm section indeed. Ben Richards' hugely impressive vocals, that ranged from whispers through to screams, completed this powerhouse performance of exciting, original music.
Although its been done before, the band quietly slipped off stage amidst the thick smoke to the fade out of a sample ending with alarm clock - 'Sleepyhead' indeed!
Without a doubt, this band will succeed big time if they can manage to maintain this high standard of song writing and live performance.
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