The Tunics, London Dublin Castle

The Tunics

March 24th, 2009

By the time they take to the stage the room is packed out and the gap at the front has been filled. Tonight we are lucky enough to experience a live set from perhaps the most promising Britpop-esque offering of recent times in the form of The Tunics.

Set opener ‘Paris, France’ starts off with a rhythm that will catch you quicker than Paula Radcliffe in a pair of ‘Heelys’ and sets a pace for their forthcoming set. The Tunics have rhythm, style and a strong and powerful sound that encircles the room tonight. The sound is heavier than on the album and creates much more depth in a live venue. This track experiences an interesting variation in tempo which breaks things down for the chorus (the reverse to what is normally the equation for creating a hit record), using strings and a very melancholic tone “Please don’t break my heart” which is sung with honest and convincing sincerity, with a defined purity to the vocals.

The vocals of front man Joe Costello are individual and have a certain unique quality even though they run with that regional accent trend that has swept the charts (à la Arctic Monkeys, The Streets and Oasis), this time with a Croydon influence.  This may not be an original concept but there is something a little bit special about this band tonight. At times a hint of Liam Gallagher perhaps, but there is something individual and appealing about the way that he sings. Make all the comparisons you like but there is no doubt that this band can cut it live in support of a frankly awesome debut album offering in the form of Somewhere In Somebody’s Heart. They show talent that spans a wide range of tempos and styles, but with a definitive trademark injection throughout.

‘Shine On’ is possibly their finest and most uplifting moment tonight, with a capturing and lively performance. It demonstrates their musical ability as well as strength of vocals. The vocals are the closest that we get to an Oasis-esque influence, but it does not feel like some of the regurgitated drivel that we so frequently have thrust upon us by the Top 40: “For this is rock n’ roll/I got a rock ‘n roll soul”. The bridge is a strong contrast and fits with the song perfectly for an instrumental interlude before the chorus; the crowd tonight cannot help but join in. They connect well with their audience and it is clear that everyone in the room is enjoying the set, existing fan or not (and you can bet your bottom dollar that they will be by the time they leave tonight).

‘Fade Out’ is strong and melodic with a riff that will leave a lasting impression. There is a certain sweetness to the vocals, a sound of hopelessness and pleading that fits with the lyrics perfectly. “I need you”, and you can genuinely feel that he means it. The lyrics “fade out” are impactful and spot on tonight. The sound is not forced and is effortless, a sign of true talent.

‘Turn Away’ breaks down the speed of the set for a ballad Tunics-style. It has a hidden rocked up beauty, and is far catchier than a lot of ballads out there. This is certainly a highlight of tonight’s set that demonstrates just how promising The Tunics’ career could be. It is a ballad that you can tap your foot along to; a hidden gem on the album and we feel fortunate that they played it here tonight, allowing Costello to demonstrate his vocal ability to the max with a definitive change in pitch from verse to chorus. The song itself without the lyrics is catchy with the music playing a full and noteworthy part to the song.

‘Cost Of Living’ hits the other end of the spectrum and steps things up for their most up-tempo  and upbeat offering so far, with a slight influence of a rap style verse (think the Libertines with a twist of The Streets thrown in and a good slab of rock for good measure). The track gives them the chance to rock out and inject some vocal harmonies into a track about the current state of youth culture and crime on the streets, “a sad sorry state of affairs”. “Is this what free travel costs, a phone and a wallet and a new iPod?”,  it peaks in a frenzy and speedy chorus that comes to an abrupt finish and has certainly got people in here taking notice tonight. Any thoughts of one trick ponies are galloping away at break neck speed…

Finale ‘Waiting’ is a great choice to close a memorable set tonight, with dual vocals that demonstrate a full array of tempos and styles in one song; “To me you are a work of art”.  What is certain tonight is that this band creates a huge sound for a three-piece, and had we not seen it with our own eyes we may not have believed it. The reception from the crowd is positively shining, a promise of great things to come.

We will most definitely be catching this band again in the very near future and look forward to seeing them play to some larger audiences. The Tunics should come with a warning label: dangerously addictive.

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