Mr Hudson And The Library @ Cockpit
By Colin BurrillI arrive late, but in time to catch the headline act's full set. The turnout is much better than I expected, the main room is full. Unfortunately, I think I'm surrounded by the type of people that attend gigs like Klaxons, The View, or any other over-hyped NME bullshit... the enthusiastic response to some mainstream indie song played during the soundcheck confirms my fears.
Mr Hudson And The Library play hits such as 'Too Late, Too Late', 'Picture Of You' and 'Brave The Cold' as well as others from the 'A Tale Of Two Cities' album, all the songs receiving a hot reception, though part of me believed the shouts and cheers resembled more drunken enthusiasm than a genuine appreciation for each song.
Cries of "play Leeds fest!" triggers a response from the lead singer who then begins to explain of music industry politics, "we can't play 2 major festivals". He then asks the audience if they should drop V Festival to play Leeds Festival instead. Predictably there was a resounding "yes!!!", and he tells the audience "I'll get the management onto it". Don't hold your breath folks.
More pantomime followed later when Mr Hudson deliberates between The Cockpit and Normans for the venue for the after-party. Again asking the audience, Mr Hudson finally hands the decision over to the keyboard player before announcing that the after-party will take place in The Cockpit after all. The London based 5-piece finish their set leaving to a generous reception before returning for the encore with two songs and finishing with the latest single 'Ask The Dj'.
I must say I'm a fan of the album (I'd previously tipped Mr Hudson for big things this year), the band were in spirited mood and the performance was almost faultless, but for some reason it just didn't seem to ring true for me on the night.
