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With much larger venues penned in for September’s tour, Air Traffic must predict their following is soon to swell. On this stunning showing it seems they could be right. Hot on the heels of their recently released debut album ‘Fractured Life’, Air Traffic delivered a performance coated with class and confidence that lift their songs to a more impressive level live.
Merseysiders The Sonic Hearts provided competent support. A sound similar to their city comrades The Zutons, they jangled their way through their set with smiles firmly fixed on the faces of lead singers Sean Butler and Kirsty Donaldson. The inclusion of a flute gives them a bit of originality but the need for it remains to be seen. Armed with only an acoustic guitar, American Jacob Golden swooned his way through a set swamped with angst and unrequited love. A voice so tender and inoffensive it would make for perfect chill-out or the soundtrack for that long summer drive. An unquestioned talent, but the lack of upbeat songs left the crowd a little subdued and in need of a lift.
Enter Air Traffic to do just that, bounding straight into album opener ‘Just Abuse Me’ the impact was instant. Chris Wall’s voice is so much more striking live as he effortlessly sings as high as Matt Bellamy one moment then back down to a Chris Martin mumble. ‘Never Even Told Me Her Name’ followed with Wall pounding his piano as he is perched with his side to the audience Elton John esque - minus the horrendous outfit. With the absence of air conditioning and the smoking ban meaning there wasn’t the smell of tabs to disguise the stench of sweat, it was rather a relief for both Air Traffic and the audience that their album is predominately sombre numbers. The lack of jumping around made the heat just about bearable.
One exception is the raucous ‘Charlotte’ - a former single - the riff firmly hits you and your toes are tapping before you know it. Probably the most straight-forward and accessible track on ‘Fractured Life’ it was therefore interesting they played it half-way through the set with little fuss. It gives you the sense they want to be known and appreciated not for a perfect three minute indie stomp but for a creative and explorative band who aren’t caged in one certain sound or style.
‘I Can’t Understand’ exhibits just what an inspiring talent the Bournemouth boys are. Soaked in emotion and atmosphere it glides along filling the room with Wall’s poignant lyrics. ‘No More Running Away’ is the most spectacular live as both bassist and lead guitarist take to some side drums to leave just Wall and his piano backed up by a dominant drum beat. The song spits and spirals into an explosive ending. The crowd in The Cluny were more inquisitive, than die-hard fans, but nearly all were converted by the time the foursome closed with current single ‘Shooting Star’.
Air Traffic have more potential singles than a dating agency and seeing them perform live confirms they are certainly the real deal. They have such mass-appeal and being signed to EMI, exposure shouldn’t be an issue. With hoards of fans soon to follow, those bigger venues will be filled in no time.
