I try not to throw around terms like “favourite bands”. My iTunes claims I have over 400 artists in it (wait… what?)  so it seems a little unbelievable to say I have ultimate favourites.
But in saying that The Polyphonic Spree are one of my all favourite bands.

The wait has been long since the Spree came to Ireland never mind Belfast. It’s been an aching 11 years since we stood in Mandela Hall unsure what to expect and what we got was something unforgettable. In fact since then when people talk about their favourite gigs I always mentioned the Spree as something very special to be witnessed live.

After such a long absence with several albums and EPs later it has felt the Spree had gone around the world so many times and even changed a little musically judging by the latest release. Would the wait be worth it?

Yes.

When I saw them last Together We’re Heavy had just come out and so the gig was packed full of songs from it and while those new tunes turned into favourites it meant tracks from The Beginning Stages Of were infrequent. To celebrate 15 years since the debut album we were treated to the whole album, in order, no compromise.
Its often been said that artists take particular care in the order of songs in an album and try to think how it would be played live. The Beginning Stages Of is perfect gig material. Starts slow, builds to It’s The Sun, slows down for Days Like These (a personal fav) and starts to build again through Soldier Girl and Hanging Around until the incredible Light & Day finale.

After 35 mins we were already breathless. The Spree leave the stage, for a flicker of a moment I think that might be it until they return redressed and ready to bomb through all those subsequent albums and EPs.
A particular joy was to finally hear the 10 minute epic When The Fool Becomes A King live at last. It has always sounded like a melody through all their songs and works great as a build up to the gig finale.

A Polyphonic Spree gig is a rare breed in my opinion. I’ve enjoyed many the performance from my favourite bands but few can truly own the stage and live their songs. Previously this was Stars earlier this year and once again I was reminded the Spree do this too. They are completely convincing in their delivery of the lyrics and attention to detail in the music. It never ever feels like they’re just reciting their albums, it’s almost like they have a story to tell us and we have the front row seat.

In the 11 years since I can see the line up has inevitably changed but the core of the band in Tim DeLaughter is ever unchanging. He loves his signature front speaker jump to reach out to us. When he shouts “just follow the day and reach for the sun!” we reach out with him. Completely in the moment with him. And the moment is unbridled joy.

Thanks for coming back Polyphonic Spree. Please don’t take so long next time.