Gig Review: 2079 at The Chameleon

The bulbs hung low as they always do at The Chameleon, and amongst a theatrical blue light they illuminated 2079 in what was an impressive sold-out show, and God were they aware of it.

A Tuesday night in January and a dismal day it was. The punters were all folding in slowly and as I drank my pint the atmosphere started to become the polar opposite of what a Tuesday night should be accustomed to.

People were here for 2079 and as I stood amongst everyone my anticipation began to grow. Who were they to create such a feeling?

I find no harm in saying that before I was offered this gig to review I didn’t have the faintest clue who 2079 were. Though, I do love The Chameleon, and with the promise of free beer, I had been tempted to give them a chance.

The supporting band came and passed, and on came the main attraction. They started strong and you could tell the energy was there, and rightfully so. Though they had the image of the Courteeners, they’re sound otherwise.

I will concentrate upon one song, for if you are going to listen to this band for any reason, listen to them for this. The lead guitarist rasped an asthmatic tone and the crowd went silent and then in a thump that would make Black Sabbath proud, we were introduced to Silence Isn’t Always Golden.

It was an impressive showing, and a song that suited their sold-out status. With everyone rocking up and down, we were given the pleasure of listening to the most beautiful guitar solo.

It was wonderful. Instrumentally, this is not a band that should only be playing to 140 people. They deserve the masses. It was a highlight of a brilliant showing from the young Nottingham men, and I know I will see more of them in the years to come.

Some say that bands with numbers in their name don’t fare well in the music industry, but I hope 2079 follows The 1975 in proving the music industry wrong.

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