Dead Like Harry album launch tour @ Plug, Sheffield - 27th Feb 2010

The time finally came; after what felt like months (but actually weeks) of waiting, the Dead Like Harry album launch tour came to Sheffield along with a trio of local bands to celebrate this momentous occasion. The evening started, like so many before it, in Tokyou for the traditional pre-gig meal of noodles and beer. After this, and almost on time for a change, our ragtag bunch of merry gig-goers made their way to the Plug, a venue few of us had visited before.

First impressions of Plug were mixed. Not being able to see the stage was the first puzzle, instead being greeted by a full length bar stretching down the entire of one wall. Music was coming from somewhere, though, so a bit of scouting put us in a very nice place right in front of the stage. Everyone seemed to be cramming further and further back, presumably not wanting to stand out from the crowd, but in a room as small as that it's not something I tend to worry about. I plonked myself front and centre and, within a few minutes, everyone else reluctantly joined me. I think they were glad they did.

The music I mentioned earlier was emitting from a diminutive lass on the stage who went by the name See Emily Play. This has nothing even remotely to do with the Pink Floyd track of the same name. I assume her name is Emily, but you never know. She is a pretty talented singer/songwriter, but clearly not used to gigging. That'll come in time, and her material isn't bad.

Next up after See Emily Play were Arkham Karvers, a self-billed reggae/ska/indie band. I wasn't particularly bothered about them after a lacklustre MySpace preview, but it seems that the sound quality did them no favours; on the night they were very good indeed. I wouldn't call them a reggae or ska band, although some ska influence was evident. Much of the sound was indie rock, but it was good nonetheless.

At some point during the set a strange little troup of what appeared to be 12 year olds took up residence in front of the stage. They were dressed like the Beatles circa 1978, with strange hair styles and funny little scarves to match. They turned out to be Searching For Evidence, and were apparently known to the band on stage. I had a listen to their stuff on MySpace too, but they might be better in three or four years. When their voices break.

Last support of the evening with indie rock band Kartica. First impressions were somewhat strange; the lead singer looked like a very angry fellow. We weren't sure if he was going to sing us a song or kick the crap out of somebody. Turns out it was the former, though, so that's okay. They were a decent enough band, but ultimately forgettable. With a bit more adventurous songwriting they could go much further.

And so the big moment finally came. Dead Like Harry took to the stage, gave a very brief introduction, and kicked off what would be an hour of almost continous music. For a young band with only a single album to their name, they were very professional on stage. The musicians were tight and clearly enjoyed every moment of the gig (especially bassist Robin Baker who lept around the stage like a loon). Singers Samuel Taylor and Alice Faraday were both superb from start to finish. I don't know how to begin to describe Samuel's voice. It has a certain quality that fits the musical style perfectly, but has to be heard to be appreciated. And quite how such a powerful voice emits from such a tiny person as Alice I don't know, but she's brilliant.

They played most of the songs from the album and really got the crowd going. Even some of the usually more, shall we say, static, audience members were clapping along with the band by the end. There is something about Dead Like Harry when they're playing live. An energy that many bands just don't quite capture. They might be very good, technically excellent, but there is an emotion in the music when Dead Like Harry play that is a rarity. For such an unknown band they play very big music, and can only be commended for it. The gig, like the album, was absolutely astounding. I predict very big things from this little band from the steel city.