British Sea Power: Krankenhaus 1

Date:  Friday 6th January 2012

Venue:  The Haunt, Brighton

Well, I clearly haven't been updating this blog for some time, so you would be right in thinking this sudden activity is the result of a new year's resolution.  I didn't stop going to gigs in 2011, but I did stop writing about them, and that was a shame.  So I hope to put something up here relating to all the shows I go to in 2012, even if it's just a couple of lines and/or a photo.

A band who never let me down in 2011 - one whose presence always guaranteed a great night out - was British Sea Power, so they seemed the perfect way to kick off the next year of live music.  Between January and June, BSP are presenting their Krankenhaus night in Brighton – a regular club night on the first Friday of every month.  Each night will feature a full set from BSP, plus "wonderful and varied supporting attractions", according to the BSP website.  I'd demonstrated my commitment by purchasing a Krankenhaus season ticket, ensuring entry to each of the nights (and also meaning I got my very own actual season ticket, complete with owls).
 
With the hotel and train all long booked, anticipation was especially high, and carried me through my day spent travelling to the south coast from Yorkshire.  A special mention should go to the pub we went in beforehand, The Spotted Dog http://darkstarbrewing.co.uk/pubs/the-spotted-dog-brighton/ which had a fantastic selection of ales and some delicious vegetarian food (the mushroom wellington was yum).

On entering the Haunt not long after 8pm, the place was already packed out and plunged in gloom.  Various false starts followed, with us trying to procure drinks and somewhere good to stand without killing ourselves falling over barriers, steps and low tables, but eventually we managed to get in a good spot in the raised platform area towards the right of the stage.

Hopefully Liz (@thelawes) won't mind me linking to her excellent videos again! 

Things kicked off with a semi-acoustic set around 8.30, which consisted of:

Straight Down The Line
No Need To Cry
Lights Above Descending
Observe The Skies
It Ended On An Oily Stage
Childhood Memories

Then came a predictably eccentric turn from Jock Scot, accompanied by a slightly perturbed looking Yan and Noble.  Jock was on good form though, and he managed not to outstay his welcome!  I always enjoy his rendition of 'The Bed'. 

The main support act was due to come from Welsh surf-rock outfit Y Niwl, who had to cancel, so into the breach came all girl fourpiece Savages http://www.facebook.com/savagestheband#!/savagestheband?sk=wall.  Apparently this was their first ever gig, but you would never have known - they were seriously impressive.  The lead singer had a strong voice and a lot of charisma, and the band unleashed a tight and heavy barrage of tuneful, psyche-y songs.  They are playing the Shacklewell Arms in Dalston on 24th January.  One to watch?

Songs from Do You Like Rock Music? and the Krankenhaus EP formed the vast majority of BSP's main Krankenhaus 1 set, which I was happy about, being a big fan of both.  It will be interesting to see how future shows are arranged - I'm not sure one based around Open Season would be as effective, but BSP are frequently so superior live to how they sound on record I may well be proved wrong. 

Main setlist:

Heavenly Waters
Hearing Aid
Atom
Lights Out For Darker Skies
Canvey Island
Trip Out
No Lucifer
Open The Door
Down On The Ground
Pelican
Waving Flags
Great Skua
Carrion
All In It
Water Tower
Spirit of St Louis

"Spirit of St Louis" was nuts and included use of an owl.  I love the way Yan is looking positively demonic in Liz's video of it, especially in comparison with the one of "Observe the Skies" from their earlier set.  The crowd were pretty demonic throughout! 



DJ sets:
11.45-12.45 – The Go Team (Sam Dook)
12.45-13.45 – Born Bad(Jon Slade)
13.45-3am – BSP DJs

The DJ sets didn't disappoint, and I especially enjoyed dancing to the northern soul numbers played by Jon Slade.  Roy Wilkinson was also brilliant, managing to satisfy our group's diverse requests by playing both The Fall ("Rowche Rumble") and Lady Gaga.  And he saw the funny side when Lilly asked him how he felt about being "the least successful Wilkinson brother" ;-)  Lots of fun was had by all (thank you, friends, for the Jagermeister and the Jim Beam Red Stag) - easily enough to justify staying over for future Krankenhauses.

Apparently David Gedge was there but I didn't see him.  Probably just as well...

Roll on Friday 3rd February!