CLUB SEA POWER AT THE FREE BUTT, BRIGHTON

Friday 30th March 2001

British Sea Power's live sets are nothing short of astounding. After an eclectic DJ set from Domino Records diminutive 'don of the decks' Max Tundra, the band rush the stage and immediately make their presence felt with the cracking Remember Me. British Sea Power demand our attention and capture it early on. The stage is decked out with plants, twigs, trees, statues and fake birds. The band themselves emit such an urgent sense of purpose it is difficult not to get drawn into the dark beauty of their sound. By The Spirit of St. Louis, the band's front line are leaping into the audience, doing press-ups on the floor and causing general mayhem over a crashing wall of sound. Strange Communication sounds like a tune Pavement would create if they had grown up in the wilds of Cumbria whilst British Sea Powers debut single, Fear of Drowning, sounds as massive as a storm on the peak of Scafell Pike. By Lately, the bass has been reduced to two strings and British Sea Power are revelling in the chaos. Each tune stands out and they are all delivered with such an intense belief that we are soon convinced of a truth that can't be ignored - music can be both cathartic and provocative. That's the power for ya.