Wilco @ The Open House Festival – 10/09/2010

September 15, 2010 No Comments

Walking into Custom House Square, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve stumbled into a section of a bigger city festival. Obligatory portaloos, food stalls and of course the bar, along with an excited buzz really did create a festival atmosphere before even entering the venue itself.

Having been to other gigs in the Marquee and failed to be impressed, it was a pleasant surprise this time. Beautiful tiny lights were speckled across the ceiling and once the music started, it was clear that any previous problem with the venue had been straightened out. Great sound, decent lights and a good feel all round.

And so to the music… First up were Sunderland favourites ‘Field Music’. There has been quite a buzz about these guys recently and I wondered if they would live up to expectations. They held the attention of the crowd, as people started to filter in from outside. Judging from murmurs in the audience, they went down well, but an early Friday set with strong headliners Wilco was always going to be tough. If you like your Indie-rock to have a dash of Lindsey Buckingham about it, then Field Music are for you. Well worth checking out.

Next up were The Felice Brothers who received quite a mixed response from the audience. There were those who were clearly enjoying what was on offer, really getting into the music and having a bit of a dance. However there were those less enthused with one quote of the evening “it’s like a bad Bob Dylan cover band”. Harsh, yes, but I can’t help but share the sentiment to some extent. Definitely a “marmite” kind of band.

Before we knew it, it was time for Chicago legends, Wilco. The atmosphere in the Marquee in anticipation for Jeff Tweedy and the lads was absolutely electric. I couldn’t help but notice that the crowd were mostly male and pushing their way to the front, in what can only be described as the biggest display of united “bromance” that I have ever seen. 30-something men were practically acting like teenage girls at the prospect of Wilco’s first ever gig in Belfast. There was an air of excitement and occassion. It was a beautiful sight to be included in the love-in, however as with previous Wilco gigs, I couldn’t help but feel a bit bored and found myself loosing interest towards the end.

It was disappointing to be left with such a feeling of ‘meh’, post gig, especially seeing as I have enjoyed the majority of their previous albums, including the recent 10th release “Wilco”, but personally I have failed to enjoy their live shows as much as the recordings. Although I am not alone in my sentiment (there were pockets of what mainly seemed to be abandoned girlfriends and wives, overheard reiterating a similar feeling), the majority of the filled tent, were in absolute heaven and worshiping at the feet of the band.

Even though they opted for more of the mid-tempo songs, giving more of a chilled out vibe than possibly expected, it was well worth being part of the Belfast welcoming committee and a fair section of the male Belfast contingent will be talking about the gig for months to come.

By Emma-Rose McGrady

Festivals, Reviews