By Michael Stuart
This is the first time Chicago quartet The Changes have toured the UK and, hopefully, it will not be the last. As they walked on stage, it was a breath of fresh air to see a band with the word 'The' in their name who aren't just another bunch of Pete Doherty clones. They were dressed in ordinary clothes, looking like guys you might enjoy a drink with at the local pub.
The Changes also weren't peddling the same old post-punk revivalism which has been so en vogue as of late and instead played a healthy mix of jangly pop with distorted guitars. The majority of their set consisted of tracks from their 2006 debut album Today is Tonight and with only a 45 minute slot to play in, they swapped instruments throughout, peppering their set with a mixture of upbeat rock numbers and softer keyboard-infused ballads.
The set was finished with a fantastic rendition of their upcoming single Her, You, and I and as they left the stage there was a palpable sense that on their next tour they'd be playing much bigger venues. They injected their set with a much welcomed enthusiasm which they maintained throughout and with any luck they'll be back soon with the same attitude. If you like your music sweet and without pretension, The Changes are certainly a band to watch out for.
Rating: 8 out of 10
David Jensen Photography:
https://www.davidjensen.co.uk/
