British Sea Power at Leeds Metropolitan University, October 13

Commercialism and eccentricity are two combinations that are rarely seen together. While certain bands are able to bring their live show to a larger audience it appears British Sea Power have given up their cult status for success.

Glancing at the band as they rattle through ‘Atom’ and ‘Remember Me’ you wouldn’t believe they were the same group who concocted their debut album, The Decline Of... With the stage decked out in foliage and an assortment of woodland creatures the band are distant with the audience, only muttering a thank you in between songs. As they power through a set list favouring their first album and the Mercury nominated Do You Like Rock Music? The band have ditched their heavier songs for a large epic sound. Mixed with nature projections and a large venue, the band have moved into an almost Sigur Ros status- yet the members remain too quirky to ever give up their old act. With an additional two session musicians the group is more solid, but in many ways less flexible. Whereas before a slight bassline or crooked microphone stand would throw the band into chaos, they now look more reluctant to involve the audience in their performance.

There are flashes of their traditional set, especially during finale ‘Rock In A’ where a huge bear costume appears (a regular for BSP fans) and wreaks havoc on the stage. As one band member jumps into the audience, instruments are tossed aside as we’re transfixed to the stage, speechless as we try to keep up with the events unfolding. While the band slowly wander offstage we can’t help wishing this had happened earlier in the evening, that the band are able to relax before the encore and let loose. Yet something that has given BSP their cult fanbase is the unpredictability of their performance and as people stare in awe as events unravel, it’s clear BSP haven’t lost their eccentricity just yet.

Photo by Andy Cook, Andy Cook, Andy Cook