Gig Review: Owl City, 22 February 2010.
[last.fm | set list]
Owl City @ Academy 1, Manchester.
Firstly I totally nearly went into the union instead of furthur down for Academy 1, I'm too used to baby bands.
Once I got in I went to merch and the girl wasn't even there, what kind of merch kid leaves the table in the interval? And lights' merch woman was really rude to me, okay you can't sell Owl City's merch to me but there's no need to snap and as good as tell me to fuck off.
To be honest I think Black Gold and Out of Sight have spoiled me with their awesome gigs, Owl City was good but I really prefer the tiny shows where you're one of a few people there to see a band and you're singing along to every word.
I really don't think they should've upgraded it right to Academy 1, maybe up to 2 but 3 to 1 is a huge jump. Yes he's a good showman and yes the music filled it nicely but it was just too big. If it had stayed in Academy 3 not only would I've ben able to hear everything perfectly but it'd've been filled with fans, not just the 14 year olds that only know 2 songs. Yes those people are still fans (if you like a song you're still a fan) but they're just not in the same league as someone who sings every word from the bottom of their heart.
The thing I will give it is that I could stand at merch and still see because of the high stage.
Opening with one of the most popular songs in Umbrella Beach it was clear that this was going to be a loud, fast paced show. With each and every Song Adam Young threw himself around his bit of stage with much showmanship and enthusiasm. Every time he mentioned flying or various synonyms for it he would flap his arms like a bird, when he didn't have a guitar in his hand that is.
Talking about his Number 1 song Fireflies he says "this song is about bugs and stuff" and the lead in to The Saltwater Room had him proclaiming that "this next song is about swimming and swimming trunks and stuff" leaving us to wonder just how he titles his songs, let alone thinks up some of these lyrics.
There was little between song banter, another thing that has to be sacrificed in larger venues, but there was plenty of audience interaction in clap-a-longs, arm waving and even the takeover of singing duties in the chorus of the encore (Hello Seattle being the other highly sucessful song and a clear choice for the encore.)
Yes, I loved how adorably jumpy Adam was but I don't think I was really in the mood for such a happy bunch of songs, I'm so drugged up (hello horrid cold) that I actually couldn't care less which band I went to see. And my ears really weren't up to a large gig, I spent half the show holding my right one cause it was hurty/ringy.
He played an average length set at 45mins (including encore) but I swear a good 30 people left after he played Fireflies, the aforementioned 14 year olds. Also I'm pretty sure only about 20 people in the whole venue knew Hot Air Balloon. There was a parent getting really into cave in with his 10 year old boy which is what we like to see. If you're young enough that you've got to bring a parent at least make it a cool one that'll enjoy the music too.
It's a shame he didn't play my favourite song (Designer Skyline) but that's just how it goes, it's rare a band will play a lesser known song and especially one not on the album.
Overall quite a nice gig which I dare say would've been lots better if I hadn't been so ill, as my best friend said to me when I tweeted that I wasn't sure if I was up to going "you'll regret it if you don't" I know I probably would've.
Owl City @ Academy 1, Manchester.
Firstly I totally nearly went into the union instead of furthur down for Academy 1, I'm too used to baby bands.
Once I got in I went to merch and the girl wasn't even there, what kind of merch kid leaves the table in the interval? And lights' merch woman was really rude to me, okay you can't sell Owl City's merch to me but there's no need to snap and as good as tell me to fuck off.
To be honest I think Black Gold and Out of Sight have spoiled me with their awesome gigs, Owl City was good but I really prefer the tiny shows where you're one of a few people there to see a band and you're singing along to every word.
I really don't think they should've upgraded it right to Academy 1, maybe up to 2 but 3 to 1 is a huge jump. Yes he's a good showman and yes the music filled it nicely but it was just too big. If it had stayed in Academy 3 not only would I've ben able to hear everything perfectly but it'd've been filled with fans, not just the 14 year olds that only know 2 songs. Yes those people are still fans (if you like a song you're still a fan) but they're just not in the same league as someone who sings every word from the bottom of their heart.
The thing I will give it is that I could stand at merch and still see because of the high stage.
Opening with one of the most popular songs in Umbrella Beach it was clear that this was going to be a loud, fast paced show. With each and every Song Adam Young threw himself around his bit of stage with much showmanship and enthusiasm. Every time he mentioned flying or various synonyms for it he would flap his arms like a bird, when he didn't have a guitar in his hand that is.
Talking about his Number 1 song Fireflies he says "this song is about bugs and stuff" and the lead in to The Saltwater Room had him proclaiming that "this next song is about swimming and swimming trunks and stuff" leaving us to wonder just how he titles his songs, let alone thinks up some of these lyrics.
There was little between song banter, another thing that has to be sacrificed in larger venues, but there was plenty of audience interaction in clap-a-longs, arm waving and even the takeover of singing duties in the chorus of the encore (Hello Seattle being the other highly sucessful song and a clear choice for the encore.)
Yes, I loved how adorably jumpy Adam was but I don't think I was really in the mood for such a happy bunch of songs, I'm so drugged up (hello horrid cold) that I actually couldn't care less which band I went to see. And my ears really weren't up to a large gig, I spent half the show holding my right one cause it was hurty/ringy.
He played an average length set at 45mins (including encore) but I swear a good 30 people left after he played Fireflies, the aforementioned 14 year olds. Also I'm pretty sure only about 20 people in the whole venue knew Hot Air Balloon. There was a parent getting really into cave in with his 10 year old boy which is what we like to see. If you're young enough that you've got to bring a parent at least make it a cool one that'll enjoy the music too.
It's a shame he didn't play my favourite song (Designer Skyline) but that's just how it goes, it's rare a band will play a lesser known song and especially one not on the album.
Overall quite a nice gig which I dare say would've been lots better if I hadn't been so ill, as my best friend said to me when I tweeted that I wasn't sure if I was up to going "you'll regret it if you don't" I know I probably would've.