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Venue: Whitchurch Festival Date: 3rd August, 2001
Track list: The Vision Pit; Entertaining Angels; Between Sleeping and Dreaming; More Flames for the Dancer; Heritage; Pinewood Avenue; Lighthouse; Science of Coincidence.
Last year at Whitchurch Landmarq played an 'unplugged' set to a small but appreciative daytime audience and, like many people, I was pleased to see that they had been invited back again this year with an evening
billing in the main hall.
With a full electric lineup, the benefits of a light show, and Karl Groom at the sound desk this all too rare appearance by the band promised to be something to look forward to - and we were not to be disappointed.
Friday night at Whitchurch opened with Primitive Instinct, who put on a remarkably solid performance which was to set a high standard for other acts to follow; a standard which Landmarq certainly attained with a set
which was to predominantly feature songs from the band's last studio album, 'Science of Coincidence', although they did also manage to squeeze in a track from the Damian Wilson era, as well as a brand new song that
has not yet been recorded.
A sense of keen anticipation set in as the band took to the stage and Tracy Hitching made everyone welcome. In the background the band started playing the rich, dreamy instrumental lead into the first track,
'The Vision Pit', very much in the style of Pink Floyd!
As the main part of the song got underway Tracy proved to be in full voice, delivering the lyrics with conviction and, despite the fact she was having some problems with the sound levels in her stage monitors, this in no way affected either her performance or the sound delivered to the audience. The instrumental sections of this track were exceptional with Steve Gee strutting around the stage putting in some really slinky sounding bass work, while Uwe D'Rose laid down some demon guitar work. The keyboard work also was top notch, beautifully played with sweeping melodies, but never getting out of hand.
The next song on offer 'Entertaining Angels' is a new song which I first heard the band play earlier this year, supporting Greenslade. It starts with a rolling lead guitar supported by soft keyboards; gradually
the drums and bass come in, and the pace starts to slowly build up as the vocals come in. The song seems quite heavy until it breaks out into the chorus which is much lighter and has a pop rock style that
reminded me of bands like T'Pau at their best.
This features some nice keyboard harmonies and a strong pulsing bass backed by Dave Wagstaffe's powerful drum work. I really hope that this track is indicative of the direction Landmarq are going to take in the future as its strong rock pop feel is immediate while the musical appeal is lasting.
The tone was softened considerably by 'Between Sleeping and Dreaming', during which both Uwe and Steve Gee vacated the stage as their services were not required.
The use of soft green and blue lighting went well with the simple piano and vocal arrangement that opens the song, while later in the piece further contrasts are provided by the alternating piano and harder, more threatening keyboard sections. The style of this song is very theatrical, and it would not be out of place in a West End musical. It's a song that is ideally suited to Tracy's vocal style and I for one was very impressed with how well it came over.
As the missing band members returned to the stage, Steve Leigh started playing piano once more and the audience were treated to instrumental variations on the track.
Faultless drum and bass lay down solid foundations while Uwe D'Rose again demonstrates what a superb rock guitarist he is. The lighting during this part of the show is also worthy of mention as fingers of white light stab out into the audience against an alternating backdrop of pink, blue and purple light creating a powerful mood.
The slightly quirky sounds of 'More Flames for the Dancer', a track which strikes me as being very much in the mould of Janison Edge. Tracy seemed to really be enjoying her evening's work and the band played
with seeming ease the number which went down very well with the audience.
'Heritage' followed and was dispatched in the same manner.
Tracy seemed to be right at home, moving around the stage while the music flowed effortlessly and the big finish to the song was received enthusiastically by the crowd.
As I have already mentioned, only one older track was to be played this evening and it was 'Pinewood Avenue' which originally appeared on the album 'The Vision Pit'. Despite the fact that the song was
originally written for Damian Wilson, Tracy managed to do it full justice.
Watching her play air guitar alongside Uwe certainly raised a smile, and later on watching Steve Gee and Uwe D'Rose playing hard'n'heavy, going through the axeman routine, really emphasised the difference it makes when a band is so obviously having fun!
The finale to the main set came with 'Lighthouse' which brings shivers to my spine whenever I hear it. The performance here was certainly everything it should be with a strong symphonic sound, heartfelt vocals
and and a big finish ... marvellous!
As the band left the stage it was clear that the audience were not in the mood to leave it at that, and the calls for more soon brought a return to the stage, although initially without a drummer! The encore
was the title track from the last album 'Science of Coincidence' and, while I personally would have favoured 'Summer Madness', I have to say this went down extremely well. The upbeat nature of the track
certainly had the audience moving and left one with a lasting impression of both the energy and the enthusiasm Landmarq put into their music.
Simon
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