I’ve always thought Blind Voyeurs have been a quality lead singer short of being an outstanding band. Over the last eighteen months (since the last time they performed live in fact) they have both acquired that lead singer, in the shape of Mark Wheeler, and finished recording their debut album Rule Of Thirds. On paper, Mark was an excellent choice, having previously vocalised wonderfully with the Voyeur’s guitarist Lee Ditcher in Lounge, not to mention his ability to instrumentally multi-task; not a prerequisite for a Blind Voyeur but certainly useful when Steve Beck steps away from bass duties to play with his keys. Speaking of which, due to web-hound Steve’s many updates, anyone who has him as an online ‘friend’ will only have been too aware of the band’s album-making progress. Picture and video enhanced updates on all available online channels have been both regular and informative, not as frequent however as updates on his visits to the shops, dentist, toilet etc… but that’s another story.

Postcards From Italy sounds like a name more suited to some contrived group of handsome Anglo-Italian male tenors – not an indie band from Bournemouth, but for now that’s the name of tonight’s openers. Any band featuring ex-members of The Marlins and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels has a better than average chance of sounding half decent, and after an enjoyable first live experience here a few months ago this second outing was highly anticipated. Did it live up to expectations? No, not really. As enjoyable as it was, with all the ingredients involved which made up those former bands this rarely stirred my emotions in the way that The Marlins continue to do. Sure, there’s quality everywhere in the songwriting, the feel, the harmonies and melodies, but The Marlins this wasn’t. See, what’s gone before was so damned good this really had no chance when it come to living up to expectations. It could be said these guys are also a quality front man short of being an outstanding band – I know just the man.

Animal Talent Show really frustrate me. Maybe certain things shouldn’t bother me so much, but their songs are so bloody good, and when they’re on form there’s such an overwhelming feeling of energy pouring out from the stage… But, any energy created is lost within twenty seconds of each song ending. A bit of a drink, a natter, a re-tune, another natter, another re-tune etc. Stop fannying around!! Without wanting to dwell on the subject (too late) their songs are all about dynamism and drive, building up to a crashing wave of incomprehensible vocals, pounding drums, electronic noodles and lead guitar riffs that act as the melodic focal point and highlight. But, any momentum or sense of excitement built up during this musical crescendo has gone by the time the next one starts. They know it too, but presumably don’t deem it that important. But, their songs are bloody good, and I await the gig when they truly blow me away – they undoubtedly have the potential.

Without doubt, the addition of Mark Wheeler’s (pictured above) vocals has a positive effect on Blind Voyeurs’ songs. However, unlike Lounge where the songs are simpler and based around the melody and harmonies, here the vocals are largely secondary. This music is emotive and atmospheric, thought and image provoking, working subtly as the songs flow and fluctuate wonderfully. Considering this was the band’s first live performance for eighteen months, the set was tight and compared to what had gone just before, relatively seamless. Having listened to the album a bunch of times and begun to feel the songs make themselves at home under my skin, there are obvious highlights. To be honest, most of these highlights have been songs familiar to me for a couple of years; ‘The Christening’ and ‘Blood’ are both beautifully creative, typifying their ability to conjure up a wonderful feeling of depth and emotion in their music. Very little is simple, but nothing over complicated, typified by Scott’s relaxed energetic rhythms and the band’s perfect use of samples and electronica. The set was well received by a crowd lacking in numbers despite the generous £4 entry including a copy of the album. Maybe after such a long time without playing many people (apart from their online ‘friends’) had forgotten how good the Blind Voyeurs are. Or maybe people were saving their money for Christmas. Whatever, anyone wanting to support the local music scene really should be getting their arses down to more gigs like this.

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