It’s hard to tell if the “handle with care” sticker on The Immediate’s keyboard is directed at the roadies or at the gaggle of groupies who hover close to the stage, eying up the four members of this latest bright young thing.
There’s something that sets these boys apart, and it really hits you when they start to switch instruments. One begins the show on drums, then takes over the lead vocals, before switching to the bass, and so on. It’s like musical chairs, soundtracked by their jagged, driving pop.
Despite the stopping and starting, the show never loses momentum. It probably helps that each member possesses their own unique energy: Dave Hedderman has a brooding intensity and Conor O’Brien brings a boyish charm and exuberance with his banter and crowd invasions. Peter Toomey seems intent on destroying the drums and his vocal cords, while Barra Heavey just looks like he’s having a blast.
Even with their burgeoning confidence though, the band seem a little nervous at times, and a bit more interaction with the crowd wouldn’t hurt. Final song ‘Now That You’ve Come This Far’ felt more like a mid-set track than the dramatic closer the gig deserved. But given how focused and tight their performance was, it can’t be long til these boys get these little details nailed.
Singles ‘Don’t You Ever’ and ‘Never Seen’ sound as good live as you would hope, and ‘A Ghost In This House’ showcases a band who already have a bit of a swagger about them.
Barra Heavey finished the show on stage on his own, performing an absolutely unnecessary but rather spellbinding keyboard outro. He got away with it, and left an audience clearly hungry for more.