Music > Live Reviews

Superglu

Norwich Arts Centre

19/09/16

With the nights noticeably drawing in, what better way to celebrate the end of summer than with a big old party at Norwich Arts Centre.

Host brought a start to the proceedings with some well constructed songs that at times had a soaring quality, a particular stand out track being to do with the power of the sun. With some intricate guitar work and Placebo-esque stylings, this is a band I look forward to seeing again.

Having had the pleasure of seeing Magoo for the first time a few short months ago, I was pleased to see them again so soon. Virtuoso guitar playing, rumbling bass lines, superb drumming and powerful urgent vocals made for a great set, with the ever expanding crowd lapping it up. A Feel Of Its Own was an absolute belter and Magoo fully deserved the loud reception they received as they left the stage. They have been rocking it since the 90's and I only wish I had seen them sooner!

I'm going to make no bones about it, I think SuperGlu are great, an opinion formed from numerous gigs in Norwich over the last couple of years and two stonking releases to date. It's fair to say that I was pretty excited about seeing them headline the Arts Centre for the first time, and by the size of the crowd I was fairly confident I wasn't the only one. Launching headlong into the punky, punchy Oil, the energy and dynamism of the band didn't relent. By the time the frankly euphoric Question some five songs in we had descended into a sweaty mess. The crowd was treated to two new songs which on first listen sounded really promising, received a great reception and fit very well into the now established set. The band were tight and clearly enjoying themselves. The chemistry between Alex, Ben, Ben and Krista is a joy to behold and the performance of Diving Bell was all the more brilliant for it. By then the crowd were fully on side and when, due to a cold, Ben asked for help with the opening lyrics of Overjoyed, we all broke into song. A real unifying experience. SuperGlu triumphantly brought the house down with the final two numbers, the upbeat Weekend and raucous, extended outro heavy Fuel Tanks Explode. For this punter at least there are exciting times ahead for the band with a new EP in the works, a growing following across the country and recent major festival appearances. Add this to the musicianship and sense of fun exuded at their gigs and you're onto a winner.

What a way to spend a weekend indeed!