The Sanguine Proletarian

We Are Augustines - Live at The Borderline

Fresh, passionate and humble. This was my lasting impression of the superb We Are Augustine’s last night (2/2/12) at The Borderline,London.

The trio played with such vigour and energy that they’re enthusiasm was totally infectious. It was plain to see that they were enjoying themselves on stage, and perhaps blown away by the success they have achieved so far. They are on the rise, and on this outing their star will continue to get brighter and higher.

Shouts of “you can do it!” in the Rob Schneider fashion bandying around the basement room lightened the mood between songs, and Billy McCarthy’s interaction with  the crowd seemed totally genuine, even when denouncing his native US in his claijm to prefer being this side of the pond. Normally such statements are mere attempts to frenzy the audience, but with drummer Rob Allen being from good ol’ Blighty, I feel assured of the legitimacy of his declaration.

The sound of the chaps was a mile away from Billy’s intense, deep drawl that dominates their studio recordings. This live effort brings their respective instruments to the fore, and evidences that they can certainly drum up bundles of excitement.

Most disappointingly, when in full flow and yet to play their two singles, we were informed that the set was being cut short, and there would be only one more song.* Boo’s from the crowd ensued. Whether out of rebellion or concession the band just about squeezed in new single Chapel Song and hit Book of James, leaving the London crowd happy and ready to party the rest of the night away.

With their debut Rise Ye Drunken Ships yet to drop (although available on download), there will certainly be a clamour for attention when it does. But I’m looking beyond that, and waiting patiently to see what WAA can pull out the hat next. Keep up the good work boys!

Before I go, a big mention must go to Admiral Fallow, the main support act. I’d only heard snippets of their work, and read how Fyfe Dangerfield is a fan and contributor, so I was expecting big things. Their folk-ish, low key sound was unbelievable, and their set so tight and tuned.

The pinnacle of their slot was a single acoustic guitar, no technology (even microphone) version of Four Bulbs. The fact they managed to make the entire room fall silent shows their class. Amazing. The resulting applause could have made one think these guys were the real headliners. I’m off to buy their record!

*The venue or event organiser HMV need to seriously review the timings. Something clearly went wrong here. The headline act should not have to cut short their set, when they were forced onto stage late in the first place. Very disappointing, and not fair on both the audience and the band. Sort it out.