I’ve been to the Komedia in Brighton a couple of times and tonight it’s a sweatshop of the highest order and the walls and soon me are dripping. It’s a packed crowd and an interesting mix of young and old. An unusual sight of a hand pump in a venue wrong fools me for... a minute but true to form wasn’t working.
Real Estate are a New Jersey band although their brand of summery power pop is a lot more west coast with their dreamy guitars and a singer who sounds like Brendan Benson. We got there in time for Alvvays the support act who were OK but definitely sounded better on the little I have heard them on record.
Real Estate are touring to support their new excellent album Atlas and set predominantly jumps between this and their last album. The twin guitars complement each other in a jingly jangly style and there’s good banter between songs telling stories of Karaoke nights and such.
Highlights of the night are Talking Backwards, the sing-along Its Real and a decent cover of Don’t fear the Reaper. Given the balmy weather they are a perfect sunshine band and the music can’t help but put a smile on your face.
However, the night was slightly marred by being behind a drunken prick of the highest order. I’m all for everyone having a good time but he seemed to be intent on dancing into anyone nearby creating a mosh pit of one. I can expect this at a Rage Against the Machine gig but not this. After one too many times falling into Anne he received a firm push back upon which a free and frank exchange of words were had. I think I put my point across but the guy still seemed intent of causing a fracas. His girlfriend spent the rest of the gig standing between him and the people behind to prevent any more argy bargy.
On the whole a good night with some fine music and although not her normal cup of tea Anne enjoyed it. I did try to reassure her that there’s always one prick in the audience and tonight he just happened to be standing in front of us. We wouldn’t be that unlucky again. Mmmm more on that later.