Aqualung - Live review at St. James' Piccadilly - Tiscali Music

24/02/2004

Tiscali favourites Aqualung are soon to embark on a UK tour. We were lucky enough to be invited to hear some of the latest songs in a haunted church (ok maybe not haunted but felt quite spooky) in central London.

Before I had even heard a note, I knew this was going to be a very special gig. It has been a while since I had been to church and as walked to St James I could already here Aqualung's familiar sound resonating out. The church was packed. It was like walking into a wedding that had already started as I tried to find a spare pew. Luckily for me the lights were low, the whole church was magically lit with candles and carefully placed lights and I finally found some space by the Organ in the gallery.

Lead singer Matt Hales is at the altar with his piano. Tonight is an intimate affair and he is sharing the stage with his brother Ben. Matt's voice and songs fit the location perfectly. His angelic sounds are hardly going to cause offence to the Rector Charles Hedley or him upstairs. Still as he finishes playing 'Good Times Gonna Come' he talks of a more uncomfortable gig playing at a church in Brighton with baby Jesus and Mary watching at him from the nativity 'now that was bloody scary' he says.

The atmosphere is relaxed but you are still very much in a working church and can't help but start to reflect as you listen to Aqualungs the tunes. He did not ignore playing the hits like 'Strange & Beautiful' but also played a good mix from both albums, even with his wife Kim joining in at one stage.

Church or no church this is a band that you must go and see and if you have not got the album go out and buy. Amen.

Aqualung's latest album still life is out now and you can catch the full band at the following establishments.

Mon 1 Newcastle, Northumbria University

Tue 2 Liverpool, University

Wed 3 Cardiff, Engine Rooms

Thu 4 Wolverhampton, Wulfurn Hall

Fri 5 Sheffield, Leadmill

Sun 7 Manchester, University

Mon 8 Abderdeen, Forum

Tue 9 Glasgow, King Tuts

Wed 10 Belfast, Empire

Thy 11 Dublin, Whelans

Sat 13 Southampton, University

Sun 14 Oxford, Zodiac

Mon 15 London, Shepherds Bush Empire

JS