REVIEW: OCEAN COLOUR SCENE AT WESTLANDS, YEOVIL (24/11/11)
A fantastically set stage and impressive lighting rig welcomed everyone through the main doors at the Westlands Leisure Complex, Yeovil this evening. The anticipation for this show was growing due to the arrival of Ocean Colour Scene’s dedicated fan base and the prospects of a nostalgia fuelled, anthemic evening.
Ocean Colour Scene have been shaping their craft over the past 20 years and have become one of the UK’s top live artists. Many 90’s Brit pop bands have recently re-united from previous glory to gain some extra cash, but OCS have remained consistent and therefore have an extensive back catalogue of timeless chart topping classics at their disposal from nine albums.
Mosley Shoals is the vibe for this evening; it has been 15 years since the release of Mosley Shoals. Their second album made them a household name throughout the 90’s including the hits: Day we caught the train, Riverboat song and The Circle. This tour is dedicated to performing the album in its entirety.
OCS were on form pleasing everyone with a rocking version of The Riverboat song, The Day We Caught The Train, with tender moments showing the delicate touches the band possess with It’s My Shadow Robin Hood and You’ve Got It Bad. Simon Fowler worked his charm on an audience that loved every word.
Steve Cradock who resides in the Southwest has become an icon within the Britpop movement and is also Paul Weller’s right hand man. His style and quality are unmistakable and never fails to impress.
Westlands Leisure Complex created the perfect stage for the band to create some truly amazing sing a long moments that re-enforce the power of live music. The front of house sound was superb and it felt like an intimate gig even though it was close to full capacity.
Other crowd pleasers and highlights during their mammoth 2 hour set were Profit in Peace and Hundred Mile High City, these were other tracks that the audience clearly hoped for and proved the power of OCS as a band and their song writing capabilities. The whole performance was executed with a mass of energy and precision. They are a genuine, hardworking band, proving their previous successes and why they are still on the scene.
Support tonight came from the South West outfit Rude Tiger, a band that are familiar with the big stage and have a great local following. The band has tightened up their image, sound and live performance over the past 12 months and it really showed tonight. They are a heavier blend of rock than OCS but were well received, especially their final track Desolate.
Words and photo: Mark Pascall
