| Bivouac, Lincoln
04 May 2007
Review by Dane
There are few bands from Lincoln who live to see nearly four years of playing and writing music together. There are even fewer who manage to release three demonstrations, play in the capital city AND get themselves signed in the process.
However, local legends One Word Poem have done all of these things seemingly effortlessly. Since the band (consisting of Charlie Johns, Hugo Cowling and Alex Robinson) originated in 2004, they have gained popularity both in and outside of Lincoln whilst accumulating a large fanbase.
It’s no suprise, then, that so many loyal fans congregate together one last time when the band announce their split.
Support tonight started with local electronica duo Les Zeppa. Throwing out tunes such as ‘Come On Don’t Stop’ and ‘Vie’ and demonstrating impressive stage prescence, the two were a promising act for a fresh band.
Next were indie outfit Lost Hearts, offering a sophisticated sound reminiscent of legends such as Joy Division and Springsteen whilst taking inspiration from contemporary greats such as Modest Mouse and Arcade Fire.
Following the band were the bouncy rock four-piece Virile. Offering a rich energetic sound combining elements of Pixies and Ash, the band boasted enough power and energy to prepare the audience for the emotional farewell to come.
And emotional it was. As soon as the lights came on signalling the beginning of the end, the atmosphere reached its peak and left the audience in sheer anticipation for the following 35 minutes to come.
Kicking off their set with the At The Drive-In-esque ‘Soft Drinks’ taken from their second EP ‘Life In Sculpture;, the three were set to go for the whole night if they wanted to.
Up next was a more recent track in the shape of ’Top Of The Tower’ taken from their latest download-only EP. The song went down equally well with the audience despite it not being as familiar with die hard OWP fans, unlike the catchy, upbeat ‘Philip Seymour Hoffman’ - another song taken from the ‘Life In Sculpture’ EP. ‘And I don’t want to see her off alone’ sings both Johns and the crowd alike with the intensity and passion we have come to expect.
It is at this point I notice the atmosphere for the first time - particularly how positive and lively both the band and audience are. Though this may be One Word Poem’s last show together, noone let this stand in the way of having a good time and giving them the send off they have earned.
Four songs in and it’s time to get nostalgic. Along with the opening drumbeat of ‘Shell Beach’ came cheers of joy from the audience as they launched into the opening track of their self-titled EP. This time, literally everyone joined in every single word, Never have I witnessed so many people asking the same question at one given time; ‘Do you know the way to Shell Beach?’
Upon personal request came the track ‘Upstairs’, a slower and more relaxed song that allowed the audience to get their breath back before the band launched into unarguably their most popular song - ‘Marry Me’. Despite the false start (”I got a bit carried away there,” admits Johns) the crowd go wild from beginnig to end, once again joining in with every single word.
Up next was the energy-filled ‘Too Long’ before the band catapulted into their final song they would ever play together - and few were suprised with what they chose. From the opening bassline of ‘Zircus’ to the deafening applause, cheering and chants at the end, it was a very fitting end to a truely superb show, and saddest of all to the legend that was One Word Poem.
Dane
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