The Frames @ The Belly Up, 4/6/2007
Show review and pic by Natalie Kardos
Even though Irish band The Frames has been around since 1990, they’re just starting to make waves over here in the United States. Those ripples were readily apparent last night at the Belly Up Tavern. Even though there seemed to be more of a crowd for local boys Dynamite Walls (who put on a solid show of their own, complete with snazzy rear projection images), plenty of people stuck around for the headlining Frames. And they were well rewarded with some stadium-sized chill-inducing Irish rock.
Their sound, while sticking mainly to traditional guitar rock, was enhanced by violinist Colm MacConlomaire, who was rocking out on an electric violin for most of the set. The Frames specialize in soaring crescendos and use the loud-soft-loud technique to its maximum potential. Glen Hansard’s vocal range has the ability to jump from tenor to falsetto seamlessly, which works incredibly well with the band’s dynamic shifts. This is music designed to make you feel both warmth and yearning at the same time. Music to woo a new lover, or to mourn an old flame. Music to induce tears in certain types of females during live shows.
In a set list composed of songs new and old, the highlights included “People Get Ready,” “Happy,” and “Underglass.” Also of note was the first song of the first encore, which was a classical violin solo, in which MacConlomaire used looping in order to accompany himself. Following the violin solo, Hansard came back out onstage to play ”Lay Me Down,” which he wrote after his father’s death. It still remains a touching tribute. The finale was “Pavement Tune,” which saw Hansard yelling “I want my life to make more sense/I want my life to make amends/I want my life to make more sense to me.” Don’t we all wish the same thing?
Overall, the show was an emotionally cathartic experience. If you missed them this time around, don’t worry – they’ll be coming soon to an arena near you.
NK