Starsailor - Cargo, London (24/11/2008)

The North West’s greatest export, Starsailor, appeared at Cargo in London last night, performing as the finale to Tiscali Live, a day of eclectic performances from artists including Iglu and Hartley, Craig David, Operahouse and Justin Hawkins.

With 2 million albums sold worldwide, Starsailor performed hits from previous albums including Love is Here and Silence is Easy, as well as new songs from their upcoming fourth album All the Plans.

New songs included ‘Boy in Waiting’ and their first single ‘Tell Me it’s Not Over’, which, despite not breaking any new ground for the band, will no doubt appease their stock of devoted fans eagerly awaiting the albums release.

Regardless of tickets apparently selling out, the gig was surprisingly quiet. The crowd were rather subdued and also somewhat reserved in front of the Tiscali Live cameras.

However a fair spattering of Northern humour from the lead singer and guitarist James Walsh, helped the audience relax with (for reasons unknown) a chorus of Abba’s ‘Dancing Queen’ in time to ‘Silence is Easy,’ which proved to be the turning point. A band that can laugh at themselves, yet still provide a great gig is certainly something many other performers could learn from.

By the end of the 40 minute set the audience were well and truly warmed up but despite encore calls, only Walsh returned to stage performing three songs including ‘Alcoholic’. The set was a true adage to his solo performance skills, but it still would have been great to see the whole band return to stage.

Despite not having released a record since 2005’s On the Outside, it is clear that Starsailor are still a band to be reckoned with, and their simple concept of great music, great lyrics and no-fuss performances will no doubt continue to please old fans and attract the attention of younger audiences too.

Starsailor return on March 2nd 2009 with new album, All the Plans. Their first for new label Virgin, and made with their debut album's producer Steve Osborne. Ronnie Wood guests on the title track and first single, ‘Tell Me it's Not Over.’ It's out on February 23rd.

Rating: 4/5

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Starsailor's official website
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Published: 25/11/2008 at 18:32
Author: Brooke Nolan
Links: Permanent Link

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