“How are you doing? We’re The Music,” announces singer Robert Harvey, before the band begins their set opening for Incubus at the Blue Cross Arena on Nov. 6.
There is no way that anyone could have prepared me for the seven-song set list that the band, coming from Leeds, United Kingdom, would put forth, including songs like “Freedom Fighter, “One People,” the all-captivating to the point of spirituality, “Bleed from Within” and the dance-inspiring track, “Peace.” The Music ripped through their set list like it was their show, not submitting to their remedial status as the opening band. Their inspiring performance set the stage well for Incubus’ performance.
It’s difficult to believe that the band first formed in 1999, as Harvey, guitarist Adam Nutter, bassist Stuart Coleman and drummer Phil Jordan played with dominance over their crowd, wheeling their audience into their world of distortion, echo, dance and emotion, with the ability of longtime bands like Green Day and the Dave Matthews Band.
Throughout the show, Harvey would break into dance, far more intricate than simply moving his feet about the stage – he displayed full coordination and rhythm, exemplifying that the music was not only captivated his being, but further engulfed the audience.
By moving around the stage and communicating to his other band mates through dance, any individual in the crowd was able to realize that the band has chemistry – they do not play idly, but incorporate one another into their live performance and blatantly have fun. With such enthusiasm started by Harvey, and proliferated by the rest of the band, it would take a lot of restraint to feel unconnected to the four bodies elevated on the stage.
The UK music publication NME defined their new album, produced by American Brendan O’Brian, “Welcome to the North,” as “colossal” and “unafraid to take on the three giants of epic rock – Led Zep, U2 and Jane’s Addiction.” There is something in The Music that appeals to everyone, as their failure to fit into one genre is precisely what makes them unique, and noted as one of the most important bands today.
The Music illustrated the diversity of their music at Blue Cross, where they not only proved to be enthusiastic and effective performers, but demonstrated their musical ability, most notably throughout “Bleed from Within,” during which Coleman strays from his bass and plays a side drum kit, while Harvey also adopts a percussion instrument.
Harvey continually thanks the audience throughout the show, which communication not only allows the crowd to feel connected to the band, but further lets them know that The Music truly is appreciative of their attention.
The Music does not just show talent in their recorded music, but their incredible stage presence and gift of performing, even to a large arena crowd, makes them one of the best live bands that I have ever seen.
Katz can be reached at
jkatz@campustimes.org.
