All All Images Subject To Copyright
Despite the torrential downpour outside and the disappointing week for Wales at the World Cup, Blossoms reminded those who attended their gig at the Student Union that you can still have a blast with live music.
I’m no stranger to Blossoms, having already seen them numerous times at Reading Festival and in my home city Bristol, but this gig was something beyond what I had already seen of the band. I was saying to my friend afterwards how it was more like a performance or an event rather than a gig, with a great support act from Brooke Combe beforehand, followed by a great selection of tracks from the likes of Oasis and Neil Diamond to really get the crowd in the mood.
The atmosphere was electric and when the band walked on the stage, opening with one of their signature tunes ‘At Most A Kiss’, the room was bouncing. The band were unbelievably tight, and lead singer, come guitarist, come pianist, come harmonica(ist!) Tom Ogden roamed the stage like he owned it.
Some songs would lead blissfully into the next without mention from Ogden, reinforcing their tightness and capabilities as a band. A special mention to the three additions to the original 5 of the band, who really boosted the live sound created on the evening, making it sound just as if it was pre-recorded.
Ogden also gave some interesting insights at times as to how some of the tracks were written and the backstory to them, my favourite in particular being ‘Ode to NYC’, which he revealed was originally written for a Netflix show, only to be pushed aside once the band recorded it. Unlucky Netflix! This was also where Ogden showed off his musical prowess playing guitar, as well as singing, and then a beautiful harmonica solo to finish the song.
Charlie Salt on bass and backing vocals, Myles Kellock on keys, Josh Dewhurst on lead guitar, and Joe Donovan on drums all put on a show as well, interacting with Ogden as he led from the front.
If you’ve heard or indeed listen to Blossoms, you’ll be aware that their music is usually quite fast and energetic, as was evident on the night with songs like ‘I Can’t Stand It’, ‘Your Girlfriend’, and ‘How Long Will This Last?’. However, the 8-piece became a solo for one song, where Ogden slowed it down with his acoustic and piano, playing first album track ‘My Favourite Room’ which was a spectacle in its own right.
They finished the show big with arguably their most popular song and another old classic ‘Charlemagne’, which was the perfect way to close the show, with people on other’s shoulders and the room bouncing once more.
I have to admit, I’ve seen some good gigs, including the ones I’ve seen from Blossoms in the past, but none compete with this one. If you ever get the chance to see them live, do it! You won’t regret it.
