Marble Arch
December 12th, 2002 / Hässleholm, Sweden
Live Review and photos by Anders Sandvall
After hearing their debut record,
Another Sunday
Bright, my expectations
were huge for the Marble Arch concert, because I thought the record was very strong. The
band hasn’t had many chances to play live - only on small places as Vetlanda, a CD
release party in Bollnäs, and Hässleholm - all small places in Sweden.
The band entered the stage, as usual they were late as all the bigger bands. Already
from the beginning they showed a strong profile and presented a more interesting picture
compared to the record. On the record they play dark, grim rock with influences of gothic
metal. The music was harder, faster in concert, with the guitar sound higher up in the
mix. Niklas and Martin's twin-guitar playing was great. What a voice Johan has! He has an
incredible vocal range! His songs were a real delight to hear live.
Even though the stage was small, they did a good job - but they couldn’t move
around. Johan didn’t talk very much between the songs - he just mentioned the titles.
Johan was backed up on vocals by Martin. The sound was brilliant and everyone was heard
distinctly.
However, the concert was only forty minutes long, because they only have 10 songs.
They couldn’t perform more than nine so they couldn’t even give us an encore. I
wished they would have played at least one encore.
They haven't got the routine yet, which is needed to perform live. They acted shy and
reserved on stage. I have the feeling that those boys have great potential because they
are well rehearsed, the ability to write strong songs, they are clever musicians, and
fronted by an incredible singer, with skillful guitar players, and last but not least -
they have their own sound and style.
I can't wait for Marble Arch to come back and play at a better venue. Perrong 23
wasn’t a big shot because they deserve to be successful. Everyone who is missing the
record, “Another Sunday Bright” should run out to your local record store and
buy it right now!
Thanks to Martin Boman and the rest of the band for permitting my presence and access
to all areas for taking photos. I also thank them for a pleasant chat before the show and
inviting me to the show to see them play. Thanks to Cindy at Century Media Sweden as always.
Set-list
Sudden
Not the ones
Million
Silent
Failed
Fellow
Dead air
For real
Last day ever
For an interview with
Marble Arch go here.