Sunny Day Sets Fire at Luminaire

Sunny Day Sets Fire at Luminaire

21 July, 2008
by: Jayrock

It's Monday, it's cold and Kilburn High Road is looking even dodgier than usual. Scarfed and gloved I trudge to the Luminaire to check out what prove to be three very different bands - Blindfold, Captive State and Sunny Days Set Fire.

It's hard to describe most Icelandic bands without using the word 'glacial' and Blindfold are no exception to this rule. These four clean-cut lads, currently residing in London, specialise in epic soundscapes that are beautifully arranged, seamlessly executed and reminiscent of both Sigur Ros and the UK's own iLiKETRAiNS. Their set is predominantly lilting and tranquil with a thoughtful professionalism that makes this music for grownups. Grownups with taste, mind. The structure of their songs is haunting and compelling - they sneak up on you and then whirl into intense but gorgeous crescendoes that engulf the audience. The crowd's receptivity is proven when lead singer Biggi asks whether they should play the 'long version or the short version' of their single 'Sleepless Nights'. Fortunately the long version is the unanimous decision and serves as another example of how they manage to make the melancholy downright pretty.

Apparently Captive State haven't played live for a while and although they have a few initial problems with sound, they soon get into the swing of things. They've got an eclectic sound with some Beatlesque harmonies, a dominant brass section and a smattering of Linkin Park angst all glued together with what can only be described as faux funk. They're having fun and their mates are here but I can't help but feel there's too much going on and it's all a bit middle-aged. Or, as Simon Cowell would say, 'a bit cabaret'.

The headliners, Sunny Day Sets Fire, are like a musical United Nations, with five members from as many countries. It's the release of their single 'End of the Road' and they're brimming with enthusiasm and saccharine indie pop. Slick, energetic and instantly likeable, their repertoire is punctuated by some impressive musicianship, cool dance moves from vocalist Mauro and lots of summery la-la-ing. That said, 'End of the Road' is more Supergrass than Delays and it's this departure from the ultra nice, fairy-bread sound that I find more promising, but maybe that's just because I struggle a little with poppy optimism. It's perfect summer festival fodder though and with tours lined up and a debut album on the cards, Sunny Day Sets Fire are destined to have an exciting year.

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Jayrock