It’s been a staggering seventeen years since Gaz Coombes first ambushed the UK music scene with indie outfit Supergrass. 1995 to be precise. A time when pub smoking bans were an incomprehensible joke and the best game on your mobile phone was Snake. We’ve come a long way since then, and tonight at his debut solo show, Mr. Coombes proves he is no different. Rising from the ashes of a band as familiar as Supergrass could have been tricky, but Coombes makes it looks as easy as gate-crashing the girl in your class’ 16th birthday party and emptying her mum and dad’s drinks cabinet.
The Camden Barfly provides a modest backdrop to the evening and after a lush, drifty intro – that seems more than a little boozy itself – Coombes launches into debut single ‘Hot Fruit’, a moody, high tempo little rascal with hazy twisted verses and a real punch-in-the-face of a chorus. Kinda like what Black Rebel Motorcycle Club might sound like if Tame Impala lent them their instruments. Coombes’ knack for melody is still obvious and the build-up at the end of the opener has the crowd shaken into action. Onwards then, and straight into new free download tune, ‘Sub-Divider’. More weird and sneaky than its predecessor, but no less infectious. As Coombes purrs, “I’m insane, wandering round this town,” you immediately imagine him doing just that. And that’s the power of the man and his music – gently tempting you in before slamming the door behind you.
The rest of the gig proves to be a straight-up exhibition of the new album – and it’s slick stuff. New tracks range from drifty little acoustic numbers to booming sub-bass dance beats – there are touches of indie but always with enough zeal to keep things modern and interesting. No mean feat after nearly twenty years of song writing, but Coombes seems refreshed and lively, and while there are shades of Supergrass, he’s most certainly stepped out of their shadow.
A full UK tour and festival appearances are to follow, so whether you were a fan of the band back in the day, or this is the first you’ve heard of the whole affair, get involved. Coombes hasn’t aged a day since the ‘Alright’ video appeared on the ol’ picture box back in the mid ‘90s, still retaining his monkeyish charm and kid-like enthusiasm.
He keeps banter with the crowd light and warmly sarcastic, and never tries too hard, explaining sincerely at the show’s finale: “Thank you very much, that’s the album.” Bosh. See you later. So in turn let us finish by firmly suggesting that come May 21st you whack ‘Here Come The Bombs’ on your iPod and go for a wander – and maybe even dust off the ol’ Nokia for a cheeky game of Snake.
Words by Luke Holloway