Yves Klein Blue @ The Toff, Melbourne (27/05/09)

The Toff in Town was packed to capacity on Wednesday night as punters got an exclusive look at some of Yves Klein Blue’s material since the boys returned from overseas. It was not only the punters who were excited for the gig to come, with front man Michael Tomlinson walking between the sound desk and stage prior to the gig, a huge smile on his face.

The band hit the stage with Tomlinson standing side of stage, playing a easy going piano intro which led into a new single off new album Ragged and Ecstatic. Whenever a band brings out a new record, many fans are sceptical as to what direction the band will take with their music. Any fans of Yves Klein Blue can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the boys are sticking to their roots – whilst maturing and providing even more amazing music.

‘It’s good to be back home’ Michael revealed to the crowd (talking to the band after the show revealed that they had only been in Australia for the past two days). When singing and talking, there were numerous instances where Michael’s voice came across as incredibly scratchy and harsh, and unfortunately this didn’t cease until towards the end of the gig. Whilst this meant that vocals were not up to scratch with what would be heard on a record, the audacious confidence and energy provided by the entire band certainly made up for it.

New song, Queen, only backed up evidence that the new album is sure to be a hit, with grooving bass lines leaving everyone from the front to the back of the Toff dancing. It seems that this band is going to do quite well for themselves, and will no longer be known as ‘the band on that car ad’.

Any individual who has ever watched a gig at the Toff would agree that the intimacy is easily one of the greatest things about a gig. Michael took this one step further, when the band went to play About the Future. After a few minutes of silence, it was obvious that the acoustic guitar was not hooking up to the amp. This did not cease any plans, with Michael explaining that there were ‘technical difficulties’. Before anyone could sort out the problem, Michael had jumped off the stage, parted the crowd, stood in the middle of the Toff and placed the entire room in silence (not including the gentleman who ‘accidentally’ knocked a few beers glasses off a table to cause some commotion).

Watching Michael sing About The Future was one of the most amazing performances seen in a long time. Picture a room full of a hundred or so people, grouped around a man screaming out every lyric with complete passion and sweat dripping off his chin as he looked every fan individually in the eye and sang to them. Whilst this performance did not contain the excitement and energy seen in any other song, it was easily one of the best moments of the night. ‘Sorry about the technical problems’ Michael joked, before playing Get Wise, which was meant to be the ‘last song of the night’.

Get Wise, to those who have not already listened to the single, encapsulates all of Yves Klein Blue’s talent and provides even more. After listening to the recorded single numerous times, it is hard to see how it could be topped, however YKB take this song to an entire different level during a performance.

There was confusion among many who believed the band were leaving the stage without playing Polka. However, following Get Wise, and with a huge smile still on his face, Michael uttered ‘Fine. Just one more’. Charles Sale, Chris Banham and Sean Cook were introduced at this point over the riff of Polka, which continued into a slightly modified, however equally amazing version of the song.

During this song, Tomlinson sings the lyrics ‘Come and have a drink with us’, and it just seemed that following the gig he would do so. Whilst the other members were nowhere to be seem, he stuck around for the better part of an hour, signing, taking photos and talking to us as if we were long time friends. Joking about iPhone’s having so many capabilities that they could perform oral sex (‘mate, if I had an iPhone, I’d never leave my room’), revealing every Grates fan’s dream that ‘Patience Hodgeson is just as you’d expect her to be’, and even personally introducing punters to his friends proved Tomlinson to be one very laid back and friendly man.

With a new album out in just under a month, and a national tour starting at the same time, Yves Klein Blue have a lot of work on their plate in the near future. However watching the boys perform on Wednesday night revealed that the positives are definitely outweighing the hard yards. Playing at numerous venues around the country which are known for their intimacy, it is recommended to check these boys out in a smaller venue. If they do end up playing larger venues in the future, and lets be frank, it’s definitely likely, this style of gig will never be reciprocated.

taken from: http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/reviews/events/18661/Yves-Klein-Blue--The-Toff-Melboune-270509.htm