Starsailor at Bristol Bierkeller Review

Posted on: 2017-10-15

Our rating:

James switched to an acoustic guitar and the audience excitedly started chatting as they rightly predicted the band’s first ever single ‘Fever’ was about to be played; it’s hard to believe that this hit is now sixteen years old...


Starsailor, the band that so many people from different walks of life love, performed a sensational set full of new sounds and back catalogue hits at the Bristol Bierkeller last night (Saturday 14th October).

This Is Life

They are easily one of the nicest bands out there and when they humbly arrived on the stage just before 9.30pm and launched straight into a track from their new album All This Life called ‘Listen to Your Heart’ – the crowd let them know exactly how much they are liked. Rapturous applause broke out amongst the Bierkeller audience and everyone started singing along from the first song; performing ‘Alcoholic’ (the band’s first UK top ten hit) as their second song turned the excitement up by quite a few more notches.

 

Whenever I have seen Starsailor in action over the years, I have always had the distinct impression that these guys are good friends and really enjoy each other’s company. Yes it’s true that three out of the four members met way back when they were music students at Wigan and Leigh Music College but that doesn’t necessarily mean they would automatically be close; however in the case of these lads – they really are and it comes across as clear as a bell when they’re on stage. They interact very well with each other and the atmosphere they give off is one of being grateful for the hand life has dealt them. This is one of the reasons this band is so endearing.

 

Vocalist and guitarist James Walsh, along with drummer Ben Byrne, bassist James Stelfox and keyboardist Barry Westhead, looked proud for every minute they were on stage and it’s obvious that they fed off the happy, positive vibe they were receiving from the gig-goers (made up of a mixture of loyal fans as well as newcomers to their sound.)

James Walsh

New songs from their latest fifth album were mixed in with their classics and when they got to their sixth song ‘Lullaby’, the crowd really showed their appreciation with loud clapping and many happy shout outs. We then moved onto a track from the new album that James described as a “dark little number” called ‘Blood’ – I loved this track and it served to remind me what I really admire about Starsailor; their lyrics and melodies are music to my ears as they take me on a journey that leads my mind to all kinds of places.

 

James switched to an acoustic guitar and the audience excitedly started chatting as they rightly predicted the band’s first ever single ‘Fever’ was about to be played; it’s hard to believe that this hit is now sixteen years old as it’s as magical and emotional to hear it live now as the first time it came out.

 

It was very special when Starsailor paid tribute to the recently departed star Tom Petty by performing their own version of ‘American Girl’ and then after James thanked those of us who have already bought their new album, he moved into some more funkier tracks – ‘Take a Little Time’ and ‘Caught in the Middle’. When they then started up ‘Love is Here’ the crowd went mad as James came to the edge of the stage whilst smiling and playing for the audience; this gig really had an intimate feel even though the Bierkeller packs quite a large crowd.

Starsailor

“It sounds like you’re all in great spirits tonight Bristol so I’m going to ask you to sing along to this one” said James before he struck the first few chords of ‘Good Souls’ – and the audience didn’t disappoint him with their efforts. That’s what makes this band’s music so appealing – their lyrics are so clear and concise and easy to relate to. Everyone around me was shouting out the words and it was a nice atmosphere to be a part of.

 

Eventually, after James said: "Saturday night gigs are normally great, but this one was particularly exceptional", they performed a seminal tune that lots of people were waiting for  - ‘Silence is easy’. This song has always proved that a very simple melody can make a great track and really highlights how heart wrenching and expressive James’ voice is. They then left the stage to an ongoing onslaught of cries for an encore and came back with popular track 'FIA' before they moved onto covers of ‘Tomorrow Never Knows’ by the Beatles and ‘Praise You’ by Fatboy Slim.

 

As they finally left the stage, having performed a total of twenty songs in a 90 minute set, I looked around the room to witness a sea of satisfied faces; if truth be told I’ve never understood why Starsailor weren’t even bigger than they were back in the day and still continue to be one of the most underrated bands out there; James’ voice is so unique and memorable that it's pure gold. However, with their new fantastic album under their belt, one thing’s for sure – these lads are still destined for great things.

 

5 out of 5 

 

James Walsh from Starsailor talks to 365 Bristol's Kel Jobanputra

 



Article by:

Kelly Jobanputra

Kelly worked as a journalist for the BBC for 12 years before she changed careers and went into the field of marketing. Having worked at BBC 6 Music for several years, she is passionate about many different genres of sound. Her other interests include theatre, comedy, books, food and days out with the family (she has a young daughter who she describes as a "whirlwind of fun.") Kelly is married to Vik who is a true Bristolian to the core! She is also studying nutritional therapy.