The Brighton Festival is in its third and final week with even more brilliant theatre, comedy, art, dance, talks, debate, cabaret and music to come. CMU's sister publication, ThreeWeeks, is covering it all, and you can check the coverage at http://www.threeweeks.co.uk, with music reviews here each day in the CMU Daily. Today, one last batch of reviews from last weekend's The Great Escape, with four more TGE gig reviews from team CMU/ThreeWeeks.
Candie Payne
Candie Payne earned the respect and admiration of the audience through her blend of genres as diverse as soul, Motown, folk, indie and rock'n'roll, as well as her beautifully sultry vocal tones, new single 'I Wish I Could Have Loved You More' being the highlight, its chilled-out beats and relaxed melody being perfect for the songstress' voice. But although Payne's set was varied in terms of musical influences, she failed to adapt her vocals accordingly, and her performance became a lacklustre one which made the crowd increasingly impatient for it to end. For those simply looking for nice, pleasant renditions of musically varied but vocally limited songs, look no further than Candie Payne. This is a talented songwriter who just needs to work on her live performance.
Honey Club, 19 May, 8:00pm tw rating 3/5
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The Maccabees
Striding on stage with effortless confidence to the loudest welcome I heard all night, the Maccabees looked and acted as if they'd been at this festival lark for years. Taking no time for niceties, they got straight on and did what they do best: sharp staccato vocals, jerky fast-paced guitars and infectious rhythms I defy anyone to stand still to. The crowd lapped it up, singing along to every song and cheering raucously, making the band even more exuberant and brimming with confidence. Towards the end of this energetic, exciting set, the frontman took time to thank the audience for their support, showing that this is a great live band who'll never forget their roots on their inevitable rise to indie superstardom.
Honey Club, 19 May, 9:00pm tw rating 4/5
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Jack Penate
Standing no more than 5'10" with scruffily frizzy hair and nerdy-looking clothes, Jack Penate doesn't look like your average pop or indie star - nor does he sound it - which is always a good thing. Blending pop, reggae, indie and ska with the odd funky bass line or two, Jo Whiley's new favourite singer-songwriter ran through his up-tempo, up-beat tunes with great enthusiasm and exuberance, which was clearly shared by the crowd. Now and again, Penate's mid-song natters were an entertaining break, proving just how grateful he is for the support that has propelled him from a virtual unknown into the limelight as 2007's hot new thing in just a few short months. A fun, feel-good performance from an artist whose only way is up.
The Beach Club, 19 May, 9:30pm tw rating 3/5
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Micah P Hinson
After trying and failing to see British Sea Power, I found myself at the Red Roaster Café waiting to see an act I knew very little about. My nerves increased as Micah P Hinson walked on and mumbled a quick, quiet hello to the crowd in his smooth Texan drawl, because I frankly doubted his ability to please this crowd. However, my nerves were melted away by his country-tinged folk and beautifully rich vocals, reminiscent of such legends as Johnny Cash. Playing just guitar and accompanied by banjo and drums, his languid, chilled-out music was the perfect soundtrack to this laidback venue. Undoubtedly my favourite gig of the day, I left feeling happy, charmed and a witness to something very special indeed.
Red Roaster Café, 19 May, 10:15pm tw rating 5/5
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