Toploader

A wise man once said, “if you have to ask what jazz is, then you’ll never truly know”, I can’t think of a similar quote regarding melody, but if there isn’t one, then its because Toploader haven’t written it yet. For the impassioned jangling of two guitars linked with the Hammond organ does nothing if not make you feel good to be witnessing the songs come alive. `Alive’ being the operative word because when you see Toploader play you realise that this is how their music is meant to be heard, and it sounds better than it does piping out of your stereo. The crowd at the Anson Rooms were treated to a good selection of new material from their forthcoming release as well as the highlights from “Onka’s Big Moka”, of which there are many. But the real surprise was the stage presence of a band who are probably just reaching the adolescence of their musical career. Full credit to the two guitarists and singer who made up for the less animated areas of bass and drums. It is hard to find faults in a musical outfit who both re-produce great music live and look like they were born to do it, it seems like nit-picking. The only real criticism would be that the interaction with the crowd is a little, well, `cheesy’, “can I ask you a little question Bristol?” and “are you having a good time?” is both unfortunate in that it undermines the maturity sensed in the music, and a little condescending. Its fine to show confidence, and to sing when you’re winning but Toploader may benefit more at this stage by showing themselves to be a little more humble. Overall, another great gig at Bristol’s Anson Rooms, and a promising outlook for a great live band, the future is definitely bright.