When the announcement was made that Brett Anderson and Bernard Butler were to reunite after 10 years apart and form The Tears, itâs fair to say there were several eyebrows raised. Together, they started Britpop and became the first band to earn the now regular title of "Best New Band In Britain". They released two critically acclaimed albums and hated Damon Albarn years before Liam Gallagher even realised who he was. But when Butler stormed out of sessions for Suedeâs second album âDog Man Starâ, the band would never recover artistically. Could they really spark off the chemistry and writing flair they had demonstrated in the early 90âs, or would they simply reveal themselves as just another duo looking to earn their retirement fund.
For many, the decision had already been made. Back in December, The Tears played their first gig proper in Londonâs Heaven with tickets exchanging hands for over ÂŁ100 a pair. First single âRefugeeâ stormed into the Top 10 last month and the album is one of the most eagerly awaited of the year. As the band wander on stage, the mood is one of celebration not expectation. First track âThe Loversâ sets the tone for the evening, with Andersonâs floating vocals fitting in hand in hand with Butlerâs guitar. Gone are the nerves of the early Tears shows. Here is a band who know theyâre great and donât need any reassurance from a crowd who are more than willing to give it to them regardless.
As Butler glides across the stage to play next to his partner in crime, even the most sceptical among you will feel a small glimmer in your heart. After only a few songs, itâs easy to forget itâs been 10 years since they last performed in this way. âImperfectionsâ gives us an insight into Brettâs mind as the words âyour imperfections are so beautifulâ escape his mouth to head in the direction of the man to his left, oblivious to anything but his constant guitar wrestling. âSong For The Migrant Workerâ sees Butler briefly give up on his fight while he allows his newly found keyboard to shine through. âRefugeesâ sets the venue on fire and was the perfect choice for lead single, while âApollo 13â closes the set with majesty, power, and the beautiful lines of âif you follow me Iâll follow you to the unknownâ.
The Tears have arrived and theyâre doing it the hard way. It would be so easy to allow the odd Suede track to slip into the set each night, but as Brett announces before encore closer âGhost Of Used Daysâ, âweâre trying to be brave, so thanks for supporting usâ. And that is exactly what theyâve been. With an arsenal of new songs and a rare onstage chemistry, theyâre here for a reason and wonât be gunned down.
Friday 14/10/10 The Joy Formidable @ KOKO, London
Monday 05/07/10 Yeasayer, Clock Opera @ The Junction, Cambridge
Tuesday 15/06/10 Local Natives, Lissie @ Shepherds Bush Empire, London
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