The Popes Live
WORDS: Yasmin Begum (Youth Editorial Group)
Regardless of the cold, dank and damp night that had thrown itself upon Cardiff, there was an impressive turn-out for London-based Irish band, The Popes.
In the new settings of The Globe on Albany Road, an old independent cinema turned music venue, the air was rife with static excitement. Whilst keeping to the traditional outlay of the film theatre, The Globe's tasteful decor has a strong nostalgia theme and potential to build itself up as a reputable live music venue in Cardiff.
Supporting were local folk-punk rockers, KilnAboy. They played a mixture of their own songs as well as notable classics such as Billy Bragg's To Have And To Have Not. The somewhat small crowd received the band reasonably well, with many bopping their heads.
Much of the audience managed to arrive just as KilnAboy went off stage, a sad thing as these musicians are a great local band. With a back-catalogue full of melodious and thought-provoking songs, the five-piece KilnAboy come well recommended.
Opening with The Church Of The Holy Spook, The Popes blasted through their set, playing such songs as Holloway Boulevard and Raw. But, the crowd seemed divided. Only a minority responded positively, showing their appreciation by dancing in front of the large stage. They were of excellent musicianship; their years of experience apparent, but efforts to hold the audience's attention through crowd participation were in vain, and lead man Paul McGuinness became frustrated with the lack of enthusiasm.
The punters had become lethargic by the end of the set, with only the die-hard fans up front chanting along to every song. It seemed as if the crowd had lost interest, the band obviously being more use to playing to more supportive crowds.
Due to The Globe's licensing laws, they were unable to do an encore. Just as well, everybody was either at the bar or outside having a cigarette. I felt disappointment at their set. It wasn't awful, but it wasn't great, either.
The Popes? A watered-down version of The Pogues. There's far better talent in local bands and music.
