Switchboard Spectacular

Indie five-piece from Blackpool

Gig Reviews

Academy Unsigned
Academy 3
17/01/08

Without wanting to make any dramatic predictions, having watched their performance at Academy 3 I can imagine these guys being very appealing to a lot of people. Clearly all very proficient as musicians (some particularly impressive bass lines entered the mix as the set progressed), and with a polite, quietly confident front man, Switchboard Spectacular delivered a set that merged contemplative, melodic indie with heavier rock elements and a couple of surprises. The inclusion of trumpet lines was one, and while they didn’t quite fit in with set opener ‘Homeless Man’, it was a very appropriate addition to their beautiful ballad ‘Tomorrow’. With its pretty chord progression, poppier tone and concluding harmonica, this was a real feel-good track that made us feel incredibly warm and fuzzy. Penultimate number ‘Melancholy’ gave the impression of a summer open-air gig, initially generating a moodier ambience before changing tempo and rocking out, ending on an atmospheric, pensive note.
In short, this was a high-quality, enjoyable show. Definitely a band to watch out for.

8/10

Set list:

1. ‘Homeless Man’
2. ‘Change Shoes’
3. ‘Tomorrow’
4. ‘What You Do”
5. ‘Ben’s Face’
6. ‘Shit Eyes’
7. ‘Melancholy’
8. ‘Down Time’

Polly