Gigs: Aqualung at University of London Union :: Wessex Scene Online

Gigs: Aqualung at University of London Union

1st May 2007
Philip Reynolds

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The opening piano notes of ‘Cinderella’ tinkered delicately over the tiny student union; when something unexpected suddenly happened. A powerful bass riff that vibrated bodies and bones soared over the crowd, joined by an electric guitar and Matt Hales’ delicate voice.

This was Aqualung, but as no-one had seen them before. After a decidedly mediocre second album, Hales is back on home shores, complete with a guitarist, bassist, drummer and a stunning third album – Memory Man.

Aqualung’s new album marks a stunning contrast to the pared down ‘piano and singer’ format of their first record, think Coldplay’s textured, effects laden ‘X&Y’, or Keane at their most ‘Bedshaped’ and you’re some way to understanding the character of Memory Man. It’s a bold, experimental record that balances the melancholic ivory tinkling of Aqualung’s debut album with the soaring, stadium rock style of ‘Speed of Sound’ and the deep, almost orchestral approach to music taken by progressive rock bands like Pink Floyd. Live, the new album is as impressive it is on record. Guitar solos and complex drum arrangements melt over trumpets and decidedly weird synthesiser noises, creating a sound that seems almost too large and deep for the tiny ULU. The entire band is orchestrated by Hales, who leans over his piano with his head bent to the keys like a fevered conductor, occasionally nodding or pointing at his band-mates as songs give way to momentary jam sessions, or unexpected tangents before plummeting back into the chorus. At one point, Hales even sung an impromptu, on-the-spot rant about how many times he had to perform ‘Brighter Than Sunshine’, before gleefully launching into a lavish rendition of the track.

As the Feeder inspired ‘Outside’ began to fade, drummer Dan Swift dropped his sticks and picked up a violin, and the band transformed before our eyes into something entirely different. The huge soundscapes trailed off, the white noise sound effects ceased and Aqualung shrunk to the size of Hales and his infamous piano. The first notes of some of Aqualung’s most crushing ballads began to play and Hales’ rich, strong voice reduced to its most delicate state.

Even with the size and scope of their new album, Aqualung’s rendition of classics like ‘Another Little Hole’ and ‘Breaking My Heart Again’ remained true to their roots. In fact, the rest of the band didn’t even return for the encore. Instead, they left Hales and his piano to close the gig with a haunting rendition of ‘Strange and Beautiful’, a reassuring sign that despite so much experimentation and indeed, progression, the Aqualung we know and love remains.