Kowalski/Air Traffic (24th January, Speakeasy Bar Belfast)

Kowalski are currently touring Ireland and Scotland with Air Traffic- Shockingly enough I had never caught these guys playing before even though they seem to be everywhere. I prepared to be stunned by indieness. Four quiet, unassuming [although, for the ladies in the audience, not unattractive] guys moseyed rather than exploded on to the stage.

The singer introduced the band in a quiet voice- I prayed their music would pack more punch than their stage presence. The first song began. The right type of Northern Irish accent can be endearing while singing and I’m pleased to say this was that: Soothing pleasant melodies and floating synths that added a special something to each song. Verses that begin to get a bit samey by the end of the set but rousing choruses that pull each song out of the bargain bin and up to the Bloc Party comparisons that they draw for themselves. Having said that, the Arcade Fire comparisons that they mention on their MySpace are a bit farfetched, (The moral of the story: Myspace lies to you- Ed.)

The announcement that their EPs “Are you Noisy Sunshine State?” were on sale could have been made slightly more exciting. I can’t help feeling that this band could do a little better if their stage presence and banter with the audience matched the power of their drumming and bass. As it was, I don’t think many audience members even noticed the EP announcement. Never mind, a little more confidence in themselves and they could be great.

Next up, Air Traffic. A four-piece from Bournemouth but now based in London these guys have raised a bit of a stir on MySpace so I was looking forward to checking out a band that I quite frankly knew almost nothing about. Although it turns out that I am the only one out of the loop as they have –amongst other things -played a set on Later…with Jools Holland and have toured with the mighty Snow Patrol. Air Traffic have a packed calendar for the next few months, taking in most of the UK and Ireland and have been doing well on the mp3 Download Chart throughout 2006.

It’s been a good while since I’ve been to a gig where the singer sits at a piano so I took my place at the front to enjoy something a little different. The obligatory Ben Folds Five comparison that must be mentioned any time a rock band is fronted by a pianist. And the music is similar, quirky idiosyncratic tunes with unusual timing, almost jazz like on the faster songs. The sort of songs that get people’s feet tapping, [mine included!] Also similar to Elton John’s feel-good piano rock of the 70s/80s. On the slower songs though you can see where their “indie-rock” self description comes in. Vocals that soar above everything, this guy is a real singer with intensity and twitchiness that matched Tom Smith from Editors for oddness and watchability, and the talent to hold an audience mesmerised. “Shooting Stars” has to be the highlight of the night.

Just when the audience was beginning to settle in and get used to what was going on onstage the pianist stands, grabs a guitar and the band drive right into a roaring rock song. No one-trick-ponies here then. Throughout there was constant switching between instruments, ballads, pop and rock- These guys seem to be able to turn their hand to anything and never left the audience bored. The audience were however left wanting more as the gig seemed to be over remarkably quickly.

I’m hoping we will hear a lot more form these guys in 2007. Their EP “Never Even Told Me Her Name” is available from Tiny Consumer [an imprint of EMI Records] and plans for the future include a chart single release in March and hopefully a forthcoming album in June. Definitely one to watch.

BROWSE
We Are Kowalski MySpace
Air Traffic MySpace

Words by Elizabeth McGeown