Embrace, Snow Patrol

It’s dark and smoky in St George’s Market. So dark in fact that you can instantly forget where you are. And forget that this historic building has been the venue for many a gig wrecked by terrible atmosphere and horrendous sound. But tonight – with a proper stage, two massive screens and a decent PA – the venue is transformed.

Embrace are headliners. There’s no denying they’re come a long way from their previous infamous live shambolics. Now they’re a competent band with enough hit singles to add up to a substantial audience sing-a-long. But was there any glint or spark of personality to liven up this anodyne karaoke for non gig-goers? No chance.

But then again look at what they had to follow. Snow Patrol may well be in the supporting role tonight but they have no intention of deferring to their elders. It’s a testament to just how alive a live band they are that Lightbody & Co get in three new songs without ever losing the crowd.

‘In The Trees’ sees new boy Ian Archer share vocals with Lightbody – a new development in the Patrol camp. But it’s ‘Run’ – the last of the new songs – that eclipses them all. “We’re thinking of making this one a Number 1 single,” muses Lightbody, “or maybe making it scrape the top 40”. An out and out love song with a soaring chorus – “Even if you cannot hear my voice, I’ll be right beside you dear” – it’s the pick of the evening. ‘One Night Is Never Enough’ is dedicated to Ma Lightbody – but not in a sick way – and before the full-on sonic assault of ‘Balsamic Vinegar’ closes the set.

A joy.