Topman CTRL: Liverpool: December 2010

Oh how in this the 1st year of the next decade of the new century we have seen Brands shift their focus from being what they are and what they do to where they want to go!

No more is that true than at Topman where they have embraced modern culture and especially music and artists to showcase their clothing range, and it makes perfect sense to me, artists wear clothes, they play gigs in clothes! Topman sells clothes, has a radio station in it’s stores… Next move… Join it together… Do it Live…

So on a freezing Tuesday night we head into Liverpool to a cool underground venue called ‘The Shipping Forcast’ which is packed so tight it could go on holiday…

First up Liverpool band ‘Hot Club De Paris’ with their juxtaposed sound and funtime lyrics and in-between song banter such as “I’m going to stay in bed and wank all day on benefits…. Hold on, No I want to be a rich wanker.” All good fun and with their ‘Scouse’ sense of humour both delivered and taken in equal measure, their songs are short, sharp and concise, like a poke in the eye with a stick. They can be often difficult to listen to because of their off-kilter approach, none of this however makes them any less engaging or essential, and an impressive live performance from an ever improving Liverpool band.

Second order of the day comes from ‘press darlings’ Frankie & The Heartstrings who play tonight following a 2-page NME feature from the week before, and I have to say that the hype is justified. They certainly fall into the ‘retro-now’ sphere, with an 80s kick-back done by sons of Britpop, so imagine Duran Duran playing Smiths songs with Pulp but in this century… I know you can’t, which is why you have to see this band as they are - infectious to the core - with songs that not only live in your head for hours after, but their image, delivery and the sheer bloody heart attack of their live show leaves you wanting more and essentially needing to own an album by them. I hope to be able to do both sooner rather than later!

Headlining tonights ‘CTRL’ are The Futureheads, not sure when they last played a room this small, but I have to say I’m glad they did. The jam-packed crowd jumped, swayed and sang along to every word, with the band themselves on fine form. They have a recent album that seems to have slipped through the cracks, and that’s a shame because they don’t play a bad song tonight. Opening with ‘Chaos’ closing wth ‘Jupiter’ they bookend a frantic set that includes both old faves and future classics. I was suprised I have to admit, like many, I had thought of the band as ‘past their sell by date’ when in fact nothing could be further from the truth. I saw the band tonight in a new light, but also as fresh, vibrant and having much to offer in the years ahead…

So overall tonight a great package with good sound in a good venue.  Praise is due to everyone from the girl on the door to the bar staff, and here’s hoping that not only do we see and hear more from ‘CTRL’ but that they can move to bigger venues in the city, and take this idea from backstreets to mainstreet… Topman… Top Night Out… Jj 2010…