Miscellaneous - Sky Art Sessions

  by Owen Peters

published: 13 / 11 / 2014

intro

Owen Peters looks at new TV programme 'Sky Art Sessions', which profiles new and up-and-coming bands

"Three bands, three songs. Episode 1, Season 1" reads the intro to 'Sky Art Sessions'. Okay, let's take a look at what they have to offer. The preamble. Band members being interviewed by unseen and unheard interviewee. My name is..., his name is..., we are... .Cut to rehearsals and background, how they met, where they are from. Music to date, plans objectives, not radical but neat and tidy. First up are Twin Atlantic: A four piece alternative rock band from Scotland formed in 2007. 'Heart and Soul' from their latest album 'The Great Divide', followed by 'Brothers and Sisters' which they define as a benchmark song, and then 'Make a Beast of Myself' from their debut album 'Free', makes up the set. I found these guys very confusing. By all accounts they have a very strong local following, loyal and supportive throughout. Similar in part to Glasvegas, to Biffy Clyro, to Whitesnake, it was a mixture of all parts, but unique in none. The crash bang wallop of Kneale’s drum routine and at times McTrusty’s heavy lilting Scottish brogue, will make the format a success at most summer festivals. The whole structure comes across as manufactured for the masses. What I couldn’t fathom was the alternative rock tag. Similar to so many bands. They need to find their own musical niche. Otherwise I fear for their future. Next we have Raleigh Ritchie: Jacob Anderson actor, who is probably best known for his roles in 'Game of Thrones' and 'Broadchurch', here morphs into Raleigh Ritchie. Bristol born Ritchie is full of mid twenties energy, bouncing around the stage to 'Stronger than Ever'. A story infused with the need to survive (London), not to sink under it’s weight of expectation. Strong percussion keeps his raw enthusiasm in check. 'Blood Sport' brings to the fore his R@B capabilities. The first part is a nicely balanced ballad, intertwined with a rap section. It offers here a sample his vocal range, which ain’t bad at all. 'Birthday Girl' has some finely crafted lyrics, as he tries to work out why his girlfriend is so angry - “I hope that’s a rose not a hammer” and “If this is a test I’ll come through with flying colours.” I like his control, emotionally and lyrically on this song, and am pleasantly surprised. If his forthcoming album is as strong as his recent EPs, acting is maybe off his CV. Lastly It’s Gorgon City: Here come the big hitters (literally) Kye Gibbon and Matt Robson-Scott. Since their amalgamation in 2012 the electronic production duo can’t do wrong for doing right. Not surprisingly they open with 'Ready for Your Love' featuring MNEK, which charted at number four in the early part of 2014 and gets festival house fans happy and jumpy (or is it bouncy these days) with every play. The wonderful,soulful voice of Laura Welsh sinks into 'Here for You', which was a huge hit right across most European dance charts. Her pace and timing is perfect throughout. It is a dance anthem with expressive lyrics. Now that is talent. Next is Zak Able with 'Unmissable'. Co- written with Jimmy Napes, it has everything doting fans require. A sing-a-long chorus, a dance, dance and dance again driving beat, plus Zak Able. Be it Disclosure, Calvin Harris or Gorgon City, the use of (in some cases) unknown artistes is a winning formula, which isn’t going to change. And why should it? Throughout the 30 minute programme we get chat, footage and music. No nonsensical chit chat from a host on a self promotion kick. No names required. This format allows total focus on the band and their music. After each song ends, there is polite applause from what can only be crew producing the programme, as there isn’t an audience. Floor Space allocated to each band seems more expansive than say 'Later... with Jools Holland'. Lighting and use of camera angles are as complimentary as the ones offered at the larger festivals. Although interviews or speech to camera are an open chance to sell and promote their wares, these three bands gave differing signals. Twin Atlantic felt jaded, not tired or weary. Simply trying to move on to the next level but without success. At one point they were deliberating if Kneale hit the drums harder than anyone in Scotland? Do we care? Raleigh Ritchie was eagerness and appreciation personified for the chance he was being given here. “If all of this doesn’t work out, I’ll be forever grateful I was given the opportunity to try,” he says will real sincerity. There is everything to like about the guy. Gorgon City brimming with confidence, not cockiness or arrogance. A clarity, this moment in time they have a musical formula which works.Everything was positive, how they got together, future plans and recognition of the guys fronting their hits. Be it business, sport or music it’s a nice place to be when this type of success comes around..  'Sky Art Sessions'. Very good start, tune in check it out.

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