By Monique Berduo / Staff Writer
Despite front man Jack Steadman’s (guitarist/vocalist) fight against spewing out his insides while effervescently rocking out on stage at the Fonda Theater in Los Angeles, the band was able to pull through and execute a phenomenal performance, giving off euphoric vibes in each guitar strum and catchy song lyric.
Jamie Maccoll (guitarist), Suren De Saram (drums) and Ed Nash (bassist), Amber Wilson (back-up vocals) were put to the improvisational test when Steadman swiftly ran off stage to the restroom, or at least that’s what the crowd was assuming.
Maccoll proceeded to egg on Saram to follow through with a drum solo; this surely excited the audience and served as a distraction before Steadman returned after ten minutes with a sincere apology and a promise to play a free follow up show the next time the band visits Los Angeles.
The overall sound of the band comprises of mesmerizing melodies and whimsical harmonies to counteract Steadman’s free-sounding, yet profoundly melancholic lyrics.
BBC has a knack for making even the deepest heartfelt break up song evoke the same feelings one might get after watching an inspirational documentary or finally reaching the top of a mountain hike.
BBC kept a good balance of switching from their acoustic recordings, which was inspired from their album Flaws, released in 2010, to their ever familiar electric fix that has helped them establish a more concrete foot in the industry, while keeping an original sound and not conforming to the other series of acoustic upbeat bands that are currently trending.
Although my initial reaction to attempt to describe BBC by comparing them to recognizable triumphs such as, Mumford and Sons, Postal Service, Animal Collective and Two Door Cinema Club, it would be unfair to even classify them as just a comparison and discredit their unmistakably original sound.
A Different Kind of Fix, more recently produced, was released last August with returning vocal contribution from English songstress Lucy Rose.
Although Rose was unable to join BBC for their 2012 tour due to her solo project, Wilson was recruited to sing back up next to Steadman; which she did effortlessly divine.
The album is best summed up in the sense that it provides a temporary summertime warmth in the gloomy cold air of winter.
This album has been associated with more of a success rate due to it’s publicity from recognizable projects like the Twilight Saga movie soundtracks and several single hits that peaked on both UK and US music charts.
BBC’s setlist lead up to an encore opening of hit single Shuffle, which was foreshadowed in the middle of a previously played song.
It’s difficult not to find yourself dazed in Steadman’s harmonic piano loop that plays from start to end of shuffle.
At the height of their success, BBC manages to stay true to their original sound and committed to their fans by putting on a humble and jaunty performance.
Optimistic vibes filled the hardwood floors to the dimly lit wall-chandeliers in the small and intimate venue, reminding the audience why they are so fixed on this still rising British breath of fresh air.