Bell X1 @ The Guildhall, Derry-Londonderry â 17th October 2015
In the years before the restoration process began, the Guildhall in Derry was synonymous with the Feis Doire Colmcille, the now defunct Londonderry Feis, and the various plays and classical music concerts that would take place in the city throughout the year. Â These events established the Guildhall as a sit down concert venue and so, despite its beautiful surroundings the main hall seemed like an unsuitable venue for Bell X1âs intimate acoustic tour. Â In November 2012, the band took a similar tour on the road, performing in CultĂșrlann UĂ ChanĂĄin, a more intimate venue which would have provided a better setting for the acoustic set.
As the audience filed in to scramble for their unreserved seats, it was clear this was to be a concert performance. Â The stage in the Guildhallâs main hall provided a barrier between the band and the crowd as throughout the first half, they were unsure of what the concert etiquette was to be. Â Could they call out or cheer? Could they sing along? Could they leave to go to the bathroom or the bar? Â Through the stained glass windows, Paul Noonan awkwardly drew the crowdâs attention to the long queue for the bar outside the hall, obviously unhappy about it. During the first half, the applause was reserved and respectful and the few that plucked up the courage to attempt some banter were awkwardly judged by their fellow audience members and politely ignored by the band. Â âFlameâ closed the first half and this loosened both the band and the audience up, but it was followed directly by an interval which brought the short lived moment of a true gigging experience to a halt. The drinks were in full flow by the second half and the atmosphere really lightened up, the band spoke more and the crowd became less self-conscious. Â âNext to Youâ was the turning point, a catchy song with a mash up of R. Kellyâs âIgnitionâ thrown in at the end for good measure - nothing like a euphemism and a bit of R. Kelly to finally get the crowd going. Â Momentum was created through the repetition of âI'm not over you, can I get back under?â Â This was a real high point of the gig as it was followed by âThe Great Defectorâ, another brilliant upbeat song which was dedicated to the Irish rugby legend Paul OâConnell. This moment of appreciation for the rugby star finally broke down the barrier between the band and crowd; but with only 3 songs left, this was too little too late.
After their set, the band left the stage and the lights were turned on. Â A chorus of boos ensued and after successfully tricking the audience into believing the evening was over, Bell X1 returned to the stage for their encore to play a beautiful and emotional rendition of âEve, Is the Apple of My Eyeâ which the audience fully embraced and it was truly a special moment. Â This was followed by a cover of Chaka Khanâs âAin't Nobody Loves Me Betterâ which they decided to perform as a result of âthe love in the room.â Â The audience were however abruptly put in their place by Noonan as when they began clapping and cheering he immediately ordered them to stop. Â A popular cover is always an exciting part of a gig for the crowd as itâs an unexpected surprise; but they are often thrown together last minute by the artists and this was very obvious by Noonanâs reaction to the possibility of their concentration being broken.
Musically, the concert was fantastic. Â The musicianship was impressive both in elements of their song-writing and in their performance. Â They produced a solid set with two out of the three band members (Noonan and David Geraghty) frequently swapping instruments in the middle of songs, never missing an entry despite running from one part of the stage to the other. Â Other highlights included the use of loops and pre-recorded synths in âHey Anna Lenaâ which were effective and refreshing, and Geraghtyâs vocals in âOffshoreâ as his velvety voice and effective use of falsetto suited the songâs laid back and lamenting style which was reflective of Aqualung. Â Overall however, despite the standing ovation, itâs a shame the venue didnât suit the atmosphere the audience was expecting, and it was also clear that the bandâs expectations did not align with the crowdâs leaving the atmosphere both largely tentative and slightly uncomfortable at times.
