The long awaited live Newcastle debut of The Benwell Project was finally here. A palpable sense of excitement was present in the air of a packed out Cumberland Arms. Would the much anticipated gig live up the considerable hype? We all hoped so.The band opened with the anthemic 'Down The River' which had an early Biffy Clyro feel to it.This comparison, while possibly reductive, stuck with me throughout much of the gig. Some of this was undoubtedly down to lead singer Ben Fitzgerald's Scottish brogue but the similarity can be heard in several songs especially the slow burner 'Nothing More (Dancing)'. The band's songs (self-penned) encompass a variety of styles including a twisted love note to the much maligned area of Newcastle that gives the group their name and talks of 'broken glass in the flowerbeds' and 'bars on the windows' but still comes across strangely fond. There is a sadness lurking behind the confident front of the band and this is present in the lyrics and the distinctive tone of the lap-steel, played with admirable prowess by Neil McMahon. Who also adds fiddle to a number of tracks with the same ability. The band's skill in their chosen instruments shines through – testament to their high level of dedication in this field. Seth Tinsley (double bass) and Ally Stewart (drums) give the songs a driving groove that had this crowd head-nodding and foot-tapping with the best of them. The instrumentation is completed by Mark Bruce on acoustic guitar adding rhythm to the blues while complementing Fitzgerald's vocal with his own lilting tones. All the band (excepting McMahon I think) contribute backing vocals which results in some interesting harmonies. All of this assists in adding a different side which may well, in the future, lift the group to a higher profile and more recognition. Certainly when listening to 'The Anti Prayer' I was reminded of the second album Kings of Leon with it's almost gospel type feel – ironic given the title.
In summary I think I can speak for the rest of the audience when I say the hype was fulfilled to some extent and we are all eager for further gigs from the lads. Watch this space. The Benwell Project have landed.
