I don't really know where to begin with this blog. I really don't.
When it was announced in March that the Inspiral Carpets were touring with Shed Severn and the first gig was in the Villa Marina, I just had to go. I find it hard to put into words the why I like the Carpets, I just do. It might be swirling organ riffs of Clint Boon, it might just be the music. Anyway tickets were purchased and a nine month wait ensued.
I wasn't sure how to approach this gig. I really wanted to see them play live but would it be as good as I wanted it to be? All I can say is "Hell yes". They kicked ass.
When I got to the Villa the crowd looked a little thin but was the clock ticked round to 8 the hall started to fill. The crowd was made up of half forgotten faces from long ago closed pubs and clubs. All a bit grey and thin on top; possibly both.
Then the music started. First track Dragging Me Down. The band hit it from the B of the Bang. The sound was out but they didn't let that hold them back. Already the price of the ticket was money well spent. Particularly impressive throughout the set was bassist Martyn Walsh. With a thousand yard stare he wields the bass well. When needed slung low in the style of New Order's Peter Hook otherwise pointed at drummer Craig Gill.He's got the chops. The rhythm powerhouse of the band.
As with many a gig the running order escapes me. From memory the next three songs included Joe and This Is How It Feels. Classic Inspiral tracks. The firth song was just a wall of noise. They hit it from the beginning and powered through. Fantastic. I really should know what it was but I was caught in the moment. There followed a few more tracks , often with the Boon organ intro before the rest of the band kicked in.
It was only a short set, more's the pity. It ended with Saturn Five. No Mark E Smith but ..... still great.
I should probably go to a full show.
