Other Gig Reviews

Magenta with Touchstone

The Point, Cardiff - 24th November 2006

Magenta played in Cardiff at the end of November, a gig that I wasn't intending to review as they have been reviewed here many times. What became apparent to me during the course of the evening, this being the fourth time I've seen them, was that they have now truly established themselves as a world class act worthy of performing on any stage. They have always been good but tonight they were spellbinding for the entire 2 and a half hour set.

First a quick word about openers Touchstone. The doors opened late due to problems with Magenta's drum kit not arriving in time (for which they apologised later!) resulting in a good crowd having to wait outside on what was a very wet and miserable night while the band had a brief soundcheck. No matter as when we did finally get in the radiators were on so we dried out fairly quickly! Not long a wait before Touchstone appeared to do a short public soundcheck of their own before disappearing for 10 minutes and then returning for their proper set. I'm not familiar with their material but they certainly weren't unpleasant on the ear with lead keyboard and joint male/female vocals from Rob Cottingham and Liz Clayden. Workmanlike drums from Simon Cook, a good slice of fretless bass from Paul Moorghen and a harder metallic guitar sound from Adam Hodgson that offset their lighter tendencies nicely. Sometimes the keyboard sounds came across a little clichéd to me but all was performed well if without a real focal point. They played 45 minutes or so of melodic and symphonic prog with material from their Mad Hatters and Curious Angel EPs and finished with an unexpected up tempo prog cover of the Tears For Fears/Gary Jules hit Mad World. Checking their website they only seem to have played about a dozen gigs in the last couple of years but their performance was good and the material worthy of further inspection though overall they lacked a little something that would elevate them to the next level.

This is certainly not true of Magenta. As mentioned I have seen them on previous occasions, two of which (The Point in 2004 and Progeny in 2003) are reviewed elsewhere at DPRP. On this outing they hit the stage flying looking confident, extremely comfortable and very slickly rehearsed. First thing to note is the effect on the sound of "new" bass player (and brother of guitarist Chris), Dan Fry. Much punchier than predecessor Mathew Cohen, Dan certainly kicked the rhythm up a gear for the band and truly impressed. As I wasn't planning a review I didn't note any tracks (so no full listing I'm afraid) but after 2 opening numbers that I didn't recognise (new material?) the rest of the set was made up with a good helping from the Seven and Home albums, all the highlights covered. Gluttony got the crowd going with it's Yes influences worn with pride (no pun intended!), and Anger especially lovely with the acoustic from Chris Fry and Christina's always remarkable vocals. The first encore turned out to be the full version on the mighty White Witch then a second encore, the name of which escapes me! Truly deserving of both we fell out of the place at a quarter to twelve having witnessed a band well on the path to (hopefully) greatness!

All of the band were on top form, Christina blinding on vocals and now an excellent and engaging front woman. Rob Reed looked happy and buzzing all evening belting his keyboards and getting some great sounds, his energy was compelling. Rhythm from Martin Rosser, Allan Mason-Jones and the aforementioned Dan Fry was excellent and, as usual, Chris Fry was magnificent with some great lead guitar. Fabulous band all round. As this was billed as "The Magenta Christmas Party" we also got a few snatches of the likes of Jingle Bells from Rob and Chris. The guy at the front in the Santa hat seemed to approve! Playing of this order deserves a wider audience and the material is certainly capable of taking them there should the opportunities arise. It is a pleasure and an honour to see bands this good in such intimate venues but don't the bands find it a little galling that lesser bands playing in different styles are lauded to the skies while they are ignored except by those in the know? I think I would!

Having taken a couple of hopefully new converts to the wonders of live prog, it was a slight worry when one of them decided to keel over during White Witch from heat related wooziness. My view was that her brain wasn't used to decoding the amount of information being thrown at her by the delicious 20-minute epic. No matter as she was quickly better and returned for the end having thoroughly enjoyed the gig!

Wish I'd remembered to take my camera as there was certainly a lot to capture. No matter, check out this band now and get to see them soon. NEARfest next June should blow things wide open for them. As I said at the top of this – World Class.

Jez Rowden