Photo: Daniel Quesada
Music has the power to do many things: move us, unite us, inspire us and change us. And that latter statement is no more true than when it comes to the War Child BRITs shows that have been taking place all across London over the last week.
The series of charity gigs which see stadium-sized artists press the flesh with fans in far more compact venues, were set up to raise money for children living in some of the most dangerous war zones around the world. From Syria to Afghanistan, War Child’s dedicated teams look to protect the most vulnerable children from the horrors of conflict.
And thanks to acts like Biffy Clyro, Rag‘N’Bone Man, The 1975, Basement Jaxx and many more of the years, thousands of pounds in donations have been raised for this life changing charity. And tonight, Gigwise is honoured to have been invited to watch operatic electronic rockers Wild Beasts play for a packed crowd at Omeara, the venue set-up by Mumford & Sons’ Ben Lovett.
The Beasts kick off the night with the sleazy synth prowl of ‘Big Cat’, a throbbing bit of electro that you can’t help but pout and strut along to.
Singer Hayden Thorpe (currently Britain’s leading Vincent Gallo impersonator) is a truly compelling frontman. His trademark falsetto soars above the undulating synth-scape beneath him and when joined by the soulful baritone of Tom Fleming, the lush harmonising is simply stunning. Slick and polished on record, Wild Beasts’ live sound takes on more rugged edge. Ok, so they’re not exactly as sneering and in your face as Slaves, but Chris Talbot’s thumping staccato beats add a raw, primal energy to the tracks that brings the tracks to life.
It’s a rare treat for fans to get up close and personal with a band whose layered and expansive sound is perhaps most at home on the festival stages, but despite the constraints of this intimate setting, Wild Beasts still have an undeniable depth and power to their music.
For more information on how to support and donate to War Child check here
