I make no secret about it... I am a HUGE Crookes fan so forgive me if this gig review is slightly tinged with a feel of a 'Bright Young Thing'.
I was seriously looking forward to this gig from the moment I read the lads were playing Hull, so much so I dragged 3 mates with me with the promise they wouldn't be disappointed and a cheeky night out afterwards.
Knowing full well that The New Adelphi Club was a tiny venue steeped in musical history I had a feeling that The Crookes lively stage presence and gut bursting effort into every tune would be quality to witness in such a setting, that's if they could get into the venue that is as the doors were locked upon arrival meaning George (Lead Singer and Bassist) spent 10 minutes talking to us outside about why he had a banana and a packet of midget gems in a carrier bag.
Starting the set with a belter off the new album, 'Don't Put Your Faith In Me' really shows how clever, concise and whispfully moving The Crookes continue to be into their 3rd LP when all paths pointed to 'Afterglow' (a single release from the 2nd EP and arguably their most anthemic/sing-along tune) being a fork in the road for them, heading down a more Kaiser Chiefs - 'Ruby' popularity contest kinda line, which I wouldn't have particularly enjoyed I don't think, although I do love 'Afterglow' itself.
The rest of the set was mix of now classics for Bright Young Things such as 'Bloodshot Days' and selected crowd favourites from the 'Hold Fast' album. I should probably apologise to The Crookes (if they ever read this) that my friend and I who were down the front probably acting like 12 year old 1D fans carried on singing throughout 'Yes, Yes, We Are Magicians' when they stopped playing in the middle of it and basically hi-jacked the show for all of 30 seconds, George said thanks but suitably put us to shame in the singing department after that... (I blame the pints for my almost football chant-like efforts).
A midas touch of a finale to play an acoustic version of 'The Cooler King' in a circle within the crowd was a real treat to stand next to aswell.
Ok so I think anyone reading this can guess that I had a quality time but my aforementioned friends seemed to also enjoy how much genuine quality the lads ooze in a live setting and their view point would be from a more neutral perspective than mine (and the night out was a decent crack aswell just FYI). I would urge anyone who hasn't given The Crookes a real good listen to plough through their back catalouge and it won't be long before you hit something that hits the spot.
Although having to rush off in the tour bus afterwards the band still squeezed in time to appease drunken requests for signatures, questions from us lot about being famous etc and Dan (guitarist) reluctantly helping us out on the quiz machine despite my friends choice in game not exactly being to his taste (erotic spot the difference, only in 'ULL)
New album SOAPBOX is out now and well worth purchasing! Also they have an app available which I was not aware of before this album... criminal!!!
JH @jasehare
I was seriously looking forward to this gig from the moment I read the lads were playing Hull, so much so I dragged 3 mates with me with the promise they wouldn't be disappointed and a cheeky night out afterwards.
Knowing full well that The New Adelphi Club was a tiny venue steeped in musical history I had a feeling that The Crookes lively stage presence and gut bursting effort into every tune would be quality to witness in such a setting, that's if they could get into the venue that is as the doors were locked upon arrival meaning George (Lead Singer and Bassist) spent 10 minutes talking to us outside about why he had a banana and a packet of midget gems in a carrier bag.
Starting the set with a belter off the new album, 'Don't Put Your Faith In Me' really shows how clever, concise and whispfully moving The Crookes continue to be into their 3rd LP when all paths pointed to 'Afterglow' (a single release from the 2nd EP and arguably their most anthemic/sing-along tune) being a fork in the road for them, heading down a more Kaiser Chiefs - 'Ruby' popularity contest kinda line, which I wouldn't have particularly enjoyed I don't think, although I do love 'Afterglow' itself.
The rest of the set was mix of now classics for Bright Young Things such as 'Bloodshot Days' and selected crowd favourites from the 'Hold Fast' album. I should probably apologise to The Crookes (if they ever read this) that my friend and I who were down the front probably acting like 12 year old 1D fans carried on singing throughout 'Yes, Yes, We Are Magicians' when they stopped playing in the middle of it and basically hi-jacked the show for all of 30 seconds, George said thanks but suitably put us to shame in the singing department after that... (I blame the pints for my almost football chant-like efforts).
A midas touch of a finale to play an acoustic version of 'The Cooler King' in a circle within the crowd was a real treat to stand next to aswell.
Ok so I think anyone reading this can guess that I had a quality time but my aforementioned friends seemed to also enjoy how much genuine quality the lads ooze in a live setting and their view point would be from a more neutral perspective than mine (and the night out was a decent crack aswell just FYI). I would urge anyone who hasn't given The Crookes a real good listen to plough through their back catalouge and it won't be long before you hit something that hits the spot.
Although having to rush off in the tour bus afterwards the band still squeezed in time to appease drunken requests for signatures, questions from us lot about being famous etc and Dan (guitarist) reluctantly helping us out on the quiz machine despite my friends choice in game not exactly being to his taste (erotic spot the difference, only in 'ULL)
New album SOAPBOX is out now and well worth purchasing! Also they have an app available which I was not aware of before this album... criminal!!!
JH @jasehare