A Silent Film - Make a triumphant return to Oxford

July 30th 2015

Oxford, Bullingdon Arms, UK

*****

Hometown glory for A Silent Film

A Silent Film ***** have not played in Oxford for a longtime, over six years. So there is quite some anticipation for tonight's shows. For the last six years, they have been gaining success abroad, especially in the US where they have gathered themselves quite a following. But the UK have been really missing out, and tonight is the band's chance to show what they are made of to their hometown crowd in Oxford. A Silent Film are now only a two piece singer Robert Stevenson (Vocals / Piano / Guitar) and Spencer Walker (Drums), parting ways with the other members a few years back. They are joined onstage tonight by the Jacob Roos (Bass) and two very talented Ameican's Matthew Stephen Wilcox (Keyboards) and Matt 'Frodo' Kidd.

They open up the show with the epic 'Tomorrow', off their 'New Year' EP. This is a track that really grows on you, it has a really nice feel to it and the words are simple but very cleverly written. Also like the majority of A Silent Film's material, it has a real arena Rock / Indie feel to it. I even think they have taken influences on this track from bands like U2 and 30 Seconds to Mars, this is music for the mainstream.

The track 'Harbour Lights' just sounds so iconic tonight, like the best material by Keane, Coldplay or even again U2 which I think must be a big influence on the band. This is a classic track that will live forever, and A Silent Film should be so proud of it. God knows why this was not a massive hit in the UK, because it is much better than most songs you hear on the radio these days. This is Indie / Pop how it is meant to be done, and it is done perfectly in Oxford, with the big sounding chorus... it is a wall of sound.

The US have though noticed this band and this song, and it has hit almost a quarter of a million views on YouTube. So the question is why are we so behind with this band, when they are from Oxford and released their material first over here. I think some record company executive, has made a big mistake and should be shot. This is a band that is real hot property, and when you listen to them you will see why.

'Paralysed' as a great atmospheric feel to it, while tracks like 'Driven by their beating Hearts' and 'Anastasia' are a little up beat. You are left thinking well done to the guys to try, to give you the whole big arena feel in the small venue of the Bullingdon Arms in Oxford... because they have really succeeded. Also they way they have set the lights, makes you feel like you're in a totally different place.

'Driven by their beating Hearts' has a real get out on your feet feel to it, and you really could mistaken it for a U2 or Coldplay track. Now that your feet, you realise that singer Robert Stevenson has real confidence and conviction in his performance. Going right to the front of the stage dancing and swaying to the music, like he was born to be on the stage.

'Anastasia' emulates Coldplay's 'When I ruled the World' for a second at the beginning before turning to a song that has hints of Keane to it. By now the crowd has joined in with the singing and you can tell that there is a real love for this band in Oxford. Among family and friends and UK fans that have been waiting a long time to see them live again. I think the band musicianship has got so much better, since they where last in Oxford, not that it wasn't spot on in the first place. Maybe it's just the way they bring it across to the audience is what has grown since the last time they played in the England.

'Message in the Sand' also taken from the bands 'New Year' EP, is a far quiter song and gives the band a moment to bring things down to a slow pace and get intimate with the audience. It's really nice and a great contrast in their set. But it is new song 'Something to believe In', which actually they have been working on at a studio not far from the venue that day.

That is the one that really impresses, if this is not the first single off their next record. Then I think they are making a big mistake, I have never seen such a great reaction for a new song with an audience... who are loving every minute of it. Saying the following new song 'Lightning Strike' is a hot contender for the second single, and bites at the heels of 'Something to believe In' like it wants to be the first. But it's 'Something to believe In' that has already grabbed me, and I instantly fall in love with it. This could be the bands first UK No.1 single, if they get the promotion right.

It's nice to hear 'You will leave a Mark' again, is like an old friend coming to Oxford. So really sets the scene of what is happening tonight for A Silent Film. This has always been one of my favourite songs by the band, so I am really pleased to hear it. But their was a few other songs of their first album 'The City that Sleeps', I would have loved to have heard again. Like 'Sleeping Pills, Lamp Light, Thirteen times the Strength' and the outstandingly creepy 'Feather White'. Their are so many great songs they could have added to their set, way too many to choose from.

They end the set with two growing fan favourite's 'Strong Enough' and 'Danny, Dakota and the wishing Well' and your just left realising that A Silent Film are the UK's next big arena band, so go and see them while you can... because very soon it will cost you £60 for the privilage and they will be playing the London, o2 Arena. A Silent Film are a band to watch, and Music Trespass' hot tip for the future.