Snow Patrol @ Blank Canvas
By Holden DeForgeVenues with pillars are shit. Especially big huge stone ones a few feet square. That aside, the Blank Canvas is a rather cool venue and seems to be increasingly used. It's very full indeed this evening, Snow Patrol's recent popularity boom due to single 'Run' is to blame it would seem.
Terra Diablo get a reasonable reception throughout their set of melodic rock songs that boast a contained energy that the band's onstage presence never really allows a release of. The most static drummer in the world (made doubly worse by the fact that he is on plain view at the front of the stage) plays the entire set with his elbows seemingly fixed to his hips. It looks like he, and the rest of the band are just playing these songs rather than breathing life into them. There are some nice tunes and good vocal harmonies but there's no flair or energy. One of the guitarists does his best but he could do with some help from the rest of the band to elevate these songs. There are moments of Goo Goo Dolls, Idlewild and indeed Snow Patrol but Terra Diablo don't quite have the vigour to have us leave with their name firmly imprinted on our minds.
Next up from this Celtic trio are Astrid. More assured onstage than the openers it takes Astrid a couple of songs to get into their stride but once they do they captivate the crowd and hold them. The mix of acoustic and electric guitars works well and some powerful vocals lead the songs along whilst the harmonies are made three fold. The songs rock out whilst retaining a definite sense of melody, powerful and energetic yet emotive at the same time. Unfortunately we don't get many song names, which contributes to an overall feeling of a good set but with no one song that really sticks in your mind. Well worth further investigation however.
Snow Patrol take the stage to huge applause, it's clear there are older fans here and not just ones who think the band didn't exist before 'Run'. Some technical hiccups in the first couple of song lead into some amusing banter, the band seem relaxed on stage and work this crowd up a treat. Definitely not the new Coldplay, Snow Patrol have some lively tunes that have feet tapping and arms aloft. Crashing drums and crunching guitars whip up an atmosphere and an energy amongst the crowd. A few slow numbers dropped in too close to each other brings things down a touch too much. Forthcoming single 'Chocolate' gets a fine airing indeed but of course it is 'Run' that steals the show. It is a good song but tonight the crowd make it, singing along in unison. You get the feeling that when no one in the crowds Snow Patrol have played to before were singing along it could have passed you by. It's proof that once you strike a chord with people and get them on your side you need to know how to maintain that and work it. Snow Patrol have put in the hours and are reaping the rewards.
