Review by Catherine McCauley for MPM
What a month it’s been for nostalgic bands returning to Belfast to remind us all of our glorious youth. This gig is a special return to Belfast for the 30th Anniversary of their cracking and youthful debut album ‘I Should Coco’. Supergrass last played Belfast five years ago at the Ulster Hall in 2020.
I knew we were in for a night of laughs and rocking tunes but I wasn’t prepared for Supergrass to take it to another level for their triumphant return. Supergrass formed in 1993, with their cheeky chappy attitudes and the instantly recognisable mutton chop side burns of Gaz Coombes, launched into the brit pop/indie scene. Supergrass, originating from Oxford England, were a three-piece but later became a four piece. The band consists of Gaz Coombes –Guitar, Vocals, Mick Quinn – Bass and backing vocals, Danny Goffey – Drums and backing vocals with Rob Coombes – Keyboards, officially joining in 2002.
A huge backdrop of the album cover hung with pride, with two smaller backdrops adorned with the animated eye of two of the band members. The nostalgia hung thick in the air as we eagerly awaited the bands arrival. The band took to the stage and exploded into ‘I’d Like To Know’, the lads played and sung with such vigour. Goffey pounded on the drums, Gaz sang and played riffs like his life depended on it, Mick thumped on the bass with Rob playing like a crazed composer. The crowd launched into song and crooned along to the ohhh lalalala’s. Perfect opening track to commence what was going to be an epic night celebrating a ground-breaking album.
‘Caught By The Fuzz’ a tale of Gaz’s experience of being arrested for possession of cannabis at 15 had the crowd dancing and jumping along reminding us all of our own teenage mayhem and drama’s. The raw energy of Supergrass is infectious yet they play with such a ‘too cool for school’ ‘tude. We sing along harmonising with the catchy chorus. ‘Mansize Rooster’ saw the crowd continue to chant along with glee, the atmosphere was charged. ‘Alright’ had the floor bouncing with Rob’s opening keys. The lads are on top form and we are feeling more than ‘alright’. ‘Lose It’ is a power-driven track with a catchy harmonising chorus. Supergrass have to be seen live to fully appreciate how heavy their riffs and drums are.
‘Lenny’ saw the introduction of an additional percussionist on the bongos. Goffey joked that he was nervous to sit out front but then joked that he didn’t give a fuck. Supergrass are determined to deliver the multi layered grooves to these much loved debut songs. They succeeded and some! ‘Strange Ones’ continued on their punky and charismatic melodies with Gaz singing ‘I wanna feel for you’, solo, echoing though the Telegraph at one point with the band launching into the tune again. The church bells chime accompanied by Rob playing a gentle familiar piano intro with the lads unveiling ‘Sitting Up Straight’, the tone changes to a punchy song with the crowd jumping to the beat.
‘She’s So Loose’ Gaz cheekily explains, is a song about underage sex with an older lady when younger. The crowd cheers and the band deliver one of their less heavy tracks. Gaz stuns with the guitar solo near the end of the track. ‘We’re not Supposed To’ the most playful track on the album saw Goffey come out from behind his drum kit and take to the bass. We hear that the song was recorded using a backing track and was recorded in a cottage whilst the band were on acid. Gaz reflected that he had just visited the Titanic museum in Belfast with his daughter Raya last month as she is obsessed. This then led to a jest filled interaction with a bandmate regarding their experience. The lads are in top form and joking throughout the set and appreciating the energy of the sold out venue.
‘Time’ was identifiable by the groovy opening guitar riffs of Gaz, the crowd swayed and sang along. Gaz introduced Alfie to the stage to provide acoustic guitar on ‘Sofa (Of My Lethargy)’. ‘Sofa’, a more trippy beatles-esque track, until the tempo returns to a more catchy sing along, before returning to its original tone. For the second time tonight Goffey dons the bass for ‘Time to Go’ to continue with the trippy jam filled vibe. Gaz thanks everyone for coming out to see them play ‘I Should Coco’ on its 30th Anniversary.
As the band prepare to entertain us with the hits from their catalogue Gaz states that his shoulder is sore but he would try and play the next song. ‘Richard III’ (In It For The Money) blasts through the speakers and the crowd explode, jumping about with arms in the air. A fan then shouts up to Gaz and then threw up a Tunnock’s caramel wafer. Gaz jokes about it being a Scottish biscuit and laughs. Goffey then tells us that they were once invited to visit the Tunnock factory and he turned up with dirty feet and on ecstasy, the crowd cheers. ‘Late In The Day’, second hit from ‘In It For The Money’ is up next. Supergrass do melodies and harmonising exquisitely well. Rob’s keyboard prowess knows no bounds as he perfectly sets the tone for Gaz’s solo. ‘Mary’ (Supergrass) one of my all-time fave tunes, rings through the speakers and gave me goose bumps. One of the bands more sinister and horror fuelled tunes both in the song content and in the video was a sight to hear and behold.
‘Moving’ the second song from the self-titled Supergrass album, is a tale of how demanding and rigorous touring can be and the yearning for loved ones. It’s a sad yet beautiful track and has the crowd singing along with the lads. The upbeat ‘Grace’ (Life on Other Planets), has the crowd jumping and clapping in unison and singing along ecstatically to the chorus. The band leave the stage for the obligatory encore. We are hungry for more and let them know. The lads return to the stage and we are treated to ‘Sun Hits The Sky’ (In It For The Money).
Again everyone is bouncing and singing along. The lads deliver a trippy outro and jam with such enjoyment and contentment. ‘Pumping On Your Stereo’ (Supergrass), was met with rapturous cheers and clapping. All was missing was Jim Hansen’s Muppets!! Such an animated song to bring an amazing gig to an end.
Supergrass came, rocked and delivered. As we pour out into the miserable and chilly night we don’t care. The nostalgia and reminiscence is palpable. Supergrass are not just a brit pop/indie band don’t be fooled by perceptions. They are an extremely talented group of lads who enjoy doing what they do best. Don’t miss an opportunity to see them on this tour you will not regret it.
Photography by Darren Mcveigh for MPM
