Cashier No. 9 with support from Silhouette and Uber Glitterati
Thursday 27th September 2012 – The Black Box, Belfast
The “gig not to be missed” as part of the Arthur’s Day 2012 celebrations begins with Uber Glitterati, a two piece electronica band with a bright future. Singer Elizabeth McGeown’s voice carries well in the hot temperature of the Black Box on this particular Thursday evening. Stevie Mac’s guitar and synths playing, really charge this duo for a strong live set that includes the atmospheric ‘Australia’. Uber Glitterati’s live show is definitely worth catching and the familiar sounds of ‘Stood in Line’ and ‘Tilt’ are certainly toe tappers.
Next up is a great performance from a stripped back acoustic line up of Silhouette, who really liven things up with their opening track. The sheer power of Shauna Tohill’s voice is the glue that holds this group together. That’s not to say that Connor Burnside’s drumming or Rachael Boyd’s violin are substandard, far from it. The half full venue at this stage get treated to a set list that entertains and includes brand new song ‘Everything,’ that shows the full range of this talented singer’s voice. This half hour slot is enjoyable and begs the question that if this is the acoustic version then how talented must the collective be? ‘What Are These Voices’ is a mighty song but ‘Can’t Keep Up’ ensures that Silhouette finish the way they started – up-beat and slick.
When Cashier No. 9 take to the stage it is clear to see why the band are having such a successful year as they have consistently played and filled sizeable venues and stages. Their stage presence is understated which makes them more endearing but it is their dedication to decent live music that pleases the sell-out crowd tonight. Being the only act of the evening not to acknowledge the fact that a drinks company are celebrating a 253th year birthday/the death of the small brewery pleases quite a few as well. Their set opens with the hypnotic sound of ‘Oh Pity’. What a start! The audience is well warmed up at this stage and are starting to find their singing voices as guitarist James Smith finally finds his perfect pitch as they play the multi-layered ‘Lost at Sea’.
The best thing about seeing this band live is the way that their playing transports you metaphorically from the floor to the ceiling and makes you feel that you are witnessing something special. Philip Wallace’s harmonica playing cuts through you like a wind that could clean corn and it marries so well with the steady as always vocals of Daniel Todd. This is a band not to be reckoned with and every member has a job to do, Ronan Quinn and Philip Duffy inclusive. The wonderful ‘The Lighthouse Will Lead You Out’ plays well just before a slower portion of the set which features the potential hit ‘To Make You Feel Better’ and new song ‘Window’. But it doesn’t last long when Cashier No. 9 are on stage, as they have everyone chanting along to the new song’s climax.
Not wanting to rock the boat too much, they immediately break into ‘Goldstar’ and everyone finds their high heels, definitely a highlight of the evening. Five seconds pass between the clever ending of ‘Goldstar’ and the psychedelic opening of the next with the bongo percussion and guitar licks it is evident how quietly confident and well-rehearsed the band are at this stage in their career. No good Cashier No. 9 set-list in Belfast should be without ‘When Jackie Shone’ and tonight they give the audience what they want! Balloons and hands go into the air and feet stamp out the rhythm with the ever present cowbell. When calls for them to play it again are heard you know a true sense of fun is being had. The night draws to an appropriate close with ‘Goodbye Friend’ and a “hopefully see you again soon” on the lips of the crowd.
