Polyphonic Spree deliver their joyous sermon to Liverpool on the opening night of their UK tour, Getintothis’ Adam Lowerson bows down at Tim DeLaughter’s madcap altar.
“Is Liverpool not the greatest city? Yes, It’s true…”
These were the words of a town crier warming up the East Village Arts Club crowd for the Polyphonic Spree on the first night of their UK tour, in support of their recent Kickstarter funded album, Yes, It’s True.
Opening the set by spray painting ‘Scouseland Friends!‘ on to a banner, Tim DeLaughter and co. were clearly out to impress their Liverpool following. And impress they did. Launching into the set with Hold Me Now from their 2004 LP, Together We’re Heavy, the 13-piece choral pop band set the bar for what was to be a performance filled with euphoric sing-alongs, dancing and good vibes.
The positivity spread by DeLaughter and his band created such a joyous atmosphere, you could’ve broke down on the way home and still been smiling.
Polyphonic Spree performing live at East Village Arts Club
The combination of the glittering synth and guitars, uplifting brass and choir vocals give every track a symphonic feel, as if every song could have been their last. Popular By Design from the new album saw the band launch into a psych-pop breakdown with ever member jumping around the stage, instruments held aloft like Arcade Fire‘s weirder cousins.
The Liverpool crowd were given yet another personalised treat with a cover of Paul McCartney‘s Bond theme Live And Let Die, giving the masses in attendance the perfect opportunity to show off their collective falsetto singing ‘You know you did, you know you did, you know you did‘.
One glaring omission from the set was album opener from Yes, It’s True, You Don’t Know Me. An odd decision, with the name of the track being plastered all over the T-shirts at the stage side merchandise stand. However, with a set cherry picking the best hits from the Spree‘s 14-year career, there wasn’t much grounds for complaint.
Polyphonic Spree performing live at East Village Arts Club
The real highlight of the performance was the enigmatic frontman Tim DeLaughter, who never stopped moving once. Directing his band like a cosmic conductor, and ending the night with a heartfelt speech thanking all fans who had made the new album possible; his showmanship and charisma made the show a real spectacle. Are the Polyphonic Spree one of the greatest live performers on the planet? Probably. Yes, it’s true.
Many Things, supporting the Polyphonic Spree, at East Village Arts Club
No Monster Club, supporting the Polyphonic Spree, at East Village Arts Club
Pictures by Getintothis‘ Simon Lewis
Further reading on Getintothis:
Getintothis’ albums of 2014 so far: Half term report from Liverpool’s writers on the block.
Polyphonic Spree to spread their gospel in Liverpool.
Real Estate head for Liverpool this Autumn.
SOHN readies UK tour including Kazimier date in September.
Getintothis on new electronic Mersey duo Adronite‘s debut EP.
By The Sea return with I See A Crystal Sky ahead of summer second album release.
Liverpool Music Week 2014: Caribou, Mogwai, Wild Beasts headline city spectacular
Liverpool bands line up for Brazil World Cup 2014.
Forest Swords: From Norse sacrifices to Smooth FM and making the follow up to Engravings.
Twilight Sad to play cult debut album in full in Liverpool.
