The Swell Season Live: 2010 Then arrived what I had really come to see, songs from the new album. With the musicians now all in place, the familiar guitar refrain to ‘Low Rising’ wafted out followed moments later by Hansard’s expressive, pleading vocal and Bochnik’s soaring guitar passages. The uptempo ‘Feeling The Pull’ really had me feeling I was at Frames gig with the whole band in full flow and Hansard in explosive form. Contemplative calmness descended with a moving rendition of another new album track, ‘In These Arms’, with a strong vocal contribution from Irglova. Next up, ‘The Rain’ one of my standouts from STRICT JOY with its clever changes of pace and incendiary choruses. ‘The Moon’ is a highlight from the first Swell Season album which features piano and Irglova’s fragile backing vocals that are key to this beautiful song. It was perfectly reproduced and ideal for this time and place. Irglova then deserted her piano stool to give her first solos of the evening, and while Hansard moved to the piano she donned a guitar and gave the most sensitive and delicate renditions of ‘If You Want Me’, a key moment in the ONCE movie, and ‘Fantasy Man’ (from the new album). I’m going to depart from the script for a moment because for me this was also a key moment in the show. There’s no doubting that there’s something quite magical and intimate about the partnership of Irglova and Hansard, but, I sensed strongly at this point that Irglova’s true potential lies in a solo career. She plays the two key instruments that a singer/songwriter needs, has a distinctive voice which is not powerful but is credible and matched to her personality and songs. While she may still be very young, she appears unfazed and fearless, very mature with the vital ability to connect with an audience. I was left wondering whether Hansard now realises this and is helping her prepare for a more independent career (with his support always close by). This would also allow Hansard to concentrate on using some of his new-found fame in further building the Frames, who should optimise the opportunity with a new and great album by the end of 2010 (certainly no later). The world tour will play a small part in establishing this with the band members along for the ride… Hell, they can write the songs on the journey! |
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