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The Lovely Eggs, The Cluny, Newcastle

  • Published in Live

Photo: Hana Harrison

Line ups like this are few and far between, staunch DIY flag bearers The Lovely Eggs are currently travelling their way across the country playing to sold out crowds. Add to this Porky The Poet (better known as Phil Jupitus) and tonight Teesside duo Mouses who open the show in typically emphatic style. With both Ste and Nathan occupying the front of the stage they tear through an exceptionally raucous set.

It’s a set that is packed with new tracks that have this exuberant crowd bouncing along, but you really cannot go past some of their older tracks such as ‘Green’. We do always wind up questioning why this pair aren’t one of the biggest bands in the country though, their unbridled madness and infallible enthusiasm really sets up the evenings proceedings. As Ste ends their set in the crowd, Mouses certainly leave a good impression tonight. 

Porky The Poet is then announced to the crowd and on walks Jupitus, what follows is a witty jaunt through a variety of music related topics, such as tours with Madness and the rather brilliant rant about Fat Mods better known as Paul Weller fans. Some of whom were even present in this evenings crowd, whilst it might have been uncomfortable for them, the rest of us certainly enjoyed Jupitus’ quips. 

His charm and wit filling the room with appreciative laughter alongside appreciative silence, something which is all too often difficult to come by at these sort of shows. The inclusion of spoken word adds that little something extra to tonight’s show and it is very welcomed as The Lovely Eggs are hardly known for doing things by the book. Something which is undoubtedly evident throughout tonight’s set.

The pair take to the stage to a rapturous reception and open with ‘I’m With You’, and from there it’s a wild jaunt through their as yet unreleased This Is Eggland as well as a plethora of old favourites. The likes of ‘Wiggy Giggy’ receives as much adoration as ‘Goofin’ Around (In Lancashire)'. However, you cannot beat a sold out crowd screaming along to the brilliant ‘People Are Twats’ at the top of their voices.

There is something so wonderfully British about this duo, they seem to have the feelings of the downtrodden hacked off underclasses down to a tee. Both ‘Dickhead’ and ‘Fuck It’ are definite favourites of ours tonight, yet there is also the downright bizarre from the duo with the likes of ‘Magic Onion’ being another favourite of ours. 

The pair pull off shambolic nonsense with such existential brilliance it makes everything more entertaining, with Jupitus even returning to the stage at one point whilst they fixed their equipment. In all honesty though no one really cared if they screwed up a bit, The Lovely Eggs brought the party to another sold out crowd and everyone truly loved it. One of the most endearing and exciting bands in the country right now a truly exceptional show from the duo!

 

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Frankie & The Heartstrings - The Cluny

  • Published in Live

Despite the soaring temperatures outside we find ourselves, in what feels like a sauna as Frankie & The Heartstrings are about to take to the stage on the day that their third album Decency is released. They’re in typically high spirits as Frankie Francis and the rest of the guys take to the stage, it’s been a remarkable two years for these guys with awards for being the hardest working in band in music. As well as running the wonderfully successful Pop Recs in Sunderland, and despite the small glitch in the life of Pop Recs we hope it will find a new home very soon.

They waste very little time in getting stuck into the new tracks with title track Decency being the first out of the blocks, as ever Frankie rules the stage as he shimmies about the stage crooning over this adoring crowd. As the older tracks provide epic sing alongs Photograph being the first of the evening but its followed by a plethora of others including That Girl That Scene.

Their jaunty prowess is never in doubt, yet these classic tracks provide the perfect reminder before they delve into the bowels of their new release. Balconette is perhaps the closest to the older tracks and subsequently garners a similar reaction to the aforementioned tracks. However, the other tracks from Decency go down incredibly well to, they’re more mature in their sound and outlook but still contain that Frankie & The Heartstrings magic.

Hate Me Like You Used To being the perfect exponent of this, its harsh undertone and heartfelt lyrics go down well despite the jovial atmosphere. As does the equally deep Someday Anna, their set moves along at a phenomenal pace as Frankie welcomes a horn section to the stage. As they take to the stage the set transcends its previous pace and moves everything up a gear, Money easily becomes the highlight of the night.

Its upbeat party atmosphere that’s cut with Frankie’s trademark deep lyrics, providing a moment to savour. Frankie & The Heartstrings are in insurmountable form this evening, an undoubtedly jubilant celebration to mark the release of their incredible new album. As the band close out the night with a quick costume change into their striking blue suits, rousing versions of both Think Yourself Lucky and Hunger capping off an incredible evening of fantastic music.

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