I decided before coming to this event that I wouldn't listen to the EP first so I could get an initial feel for the songs while being played live. I find it works better that way round for me! So some of these songs I am hearing for the first time.
No introduction is needed for Moonlight Parade as the pub is heaving by the time their set begins, and everyone is crowded round eagerly anticipating the live music. They don't muck about and get straight on with it - these people are hear to listen to some songs, so let's play them some songs.
The line up has an additional two members to those listed on their Bandcamp: lead singer/rhythm guitarist Ben Todd (only one pedal!), lead guitarist Steve Murphy (only four pedals - these guys keep it uncomplicated, just my vibe), bassist Al Borg, synth/FX/backing vocals Neil Durant and Stuart Neville on the drums. The kick drum has a piece of paper stuck on it saying '$0.0003' which is, I believe, the amount an artist gets for one stream on Spotify. A silent protest of sorts, which accompanies their decision to release the EP on CD and Bandcamp first with Spotify as an afterthought, maybe at some point but not actually planned yet.
Ben appears nervous as he looks out to see all eyes fixed, and he keeps glancing down at his left hand to start with, gradually looking up as he gets in the swing of the first song, 'Rolling', from the Strange Times album of last year. I've heard this one before. His voice, as I've previously described in a review of a single last year, reminds me of Damon Albarn on Blur's more gentle tracks, with a beautiful twist of vibrato. When the song concludes, Ben introduces the band, still seeming a little nervous at the mic. I almost wish he'd exude a little more confidence but it's also endearing and makes me like this band all the more. Afterwards he admits that he was indeed nervous and will try to work on smiling a little more - he challenges me to come along to their next gig and see if it's any better!
The pub gaffer, Joel, watches on from the side, making sure everyone's okay and the audience are safe - always good to know there's someone keeping an eye on everything. Part way through he also indicates to Ben that something needs turning up, then proceeds to take photos and videos throughout. This is a pub manager who clearly enjoys his live music and it's a pleasure to see him taking such an interest.
Next up is 'The way I feel' from their 2021 album, What if? and I hear the guy behind me singing along in the chorus. There are some beautiful reverb-y guitar solos in this one. Melodically it has a very catchy tune and it seems by the applause that everyone knew and enjoyed that one. I feel a little of a fraud, having only come across this band for the release of their fourth album and it seems that these die-hard fans are way more invested than me, but I stick it out because I'm enjoying myself too - even if I don't know all the lyrics like some people here!
No faffing and they're straight on to 'So Clear', then 'Incomplete', both songs I recognise. The keys intro is instantly recognisable and everyone cheers when it begins. These guys don't muck about! The band are tight, sounding almost spot on to their recordings. Al and Steve look comfortable on the bass and lead guitar and are really starting to settle into the set at this point, moving around a bit more and occasionally looking up into the audience.
Before starting 'Peace of Mind' (which I previously reviewed here), Ben mentions that the EP is for sale for five pounds and is limited edition. Of course I will make sure I snap one up before leaving, which will go in my car and probably remain in the CD player for months as I always forget to change the CD before I start driving.
They begin playing 'Lost and Found' and we're on to the new EP now, although they're only playing three tracks from this release tonight. As it starts, Steve lifts his hands to clap above his head and people join in - but only while he's clapping - they stop as soon as he stops! This song is a great record opener, quite soothing and pleasant, with these great baselines and synth moments that embellish it well. Lovely little do do do between sections (if you're a reader of this blog, you know I love my do do dos!).
Ben introduces 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles' and everyone cheers. Another popular song then (perhaps they're all popular with this crowd?). Ben still looks deadly serious. I get the impression that he's actually an introvert and this whole performing thing is taking him right out of his comfort zone, despite having done it many times before. Between songs, the crowd starts shouting 'we love you Steve!', 'I love you more!', 'we love you more!'.
Ben thanks the venue, The New Amsterdam. The next song is, as he says, the old 'Amsterdam', from their What If? album. I look up to see some audience members singing along with every word, and a couple of women start dancing at the front. No-one seems to be bothered by how minimal the interactions with this band are - they just want to hear the songs being played, and that's exactly what the band do.
A quick tune up and we're on to 'Talk of the Town', one of two songs they play from their 2019 album Caught in a Wave, and the synth comes in to fill the tuning void. More cheers as the song starts, more great baselines, more hooky lead guitar riffs. Suddenly there's a moment of crowd interaction where all the band shout out and Ben cracks a smile - it's the first time I've seen that. 'Fall out of Favour', another song from the new EP, gets a bit more funky - this might be my favourite of this set so far and I'm glad I waited to hear these songs. It definitely adds to the experience for me rather than just listening to a record.
'Next up is 'Miracles' and it's dedicated to Lindsey, who is obviously in the audience as a loud whoop is heard. The song shows the skills of Neil and Steve on synth and lead guitar, making space for each other. The instruments blend so well.
Song 12 is 'Something's Happening' from their 2018 album, Out of Nothing, and it's the last song of the set. Apparently it's an old song but it's got a lovely feeling to it and fits nicely among the other songs, with a catchy chorus. They've been playing for around 50 minutes by the time they finish and seem disappointed for it to be over, as do the crowd who shout for more, to which the band relent and agree to re-play Lost and Found, the title track of the EP. This is actually a really strong track hearing it again.
Ben thanks everyone for coming and the crowd cheers once again as the band start to pack up, and then it's all over and everyone seems to be happy. I purchase my EP from behind the bar and head home, happy with my choice of live music for this evening.
Catch Moonlight Parade next at Havana in Chichester on Friday 25th April.