Beak> live review: a triumphant night in the presence of true masters
I was so engrossed in a conversation with my boyfriend that I didn’t even realise that Beak> had just stepped on stage. The lights hadn’t even dimmed, and with little fuss, they appeared, carrying themselves as though they were just three guys who do this for a bit of fun. Then, a huge cheer from the audience – who had packed themselves tightly into the main room of Leeds’ finest venue, Brudenell Social Club – halted me to attention.
I hadn’t seen Brudenell that busy in a long time. Upon arriving, the support act, Litronix, had just started, but the room was already bursting with bodies – mainly middle-aged – and I couldn’t even see the musician. He’d placed himself in front of the stage among the crowd, and already heads were bobbing in time to his pulsating electronic rhythms.
After a short bar and toilet break had been successfully completed, I found myself a good spot in the crowd for Beak>, who started with ‘Strawberry Line’, the first song from their latest album, >>>>. Lights that spelt out their name surrounded the three members – Billy Fuller, Will Young (not that Will Young), and Geoff Barrow, best known for his work in Portishead. Not only do I love Beak>, but Portishead are up there as one of my all-time favourite bands, so I would be lying if I said I wasn’t feeling ridiculously excited.
Between their incredibly mesmerising songs, heavily inspired by krautrock and experimental electronica, the band proved themselves to be masters of stage banter. It’s a tricky thing to master – some musicians opt to keep a reserved exterior, allowing the music to speak for them, and others fall into the trap of trying too hard, making you wish they’d shut up and play the songs you paid to see. With Beak>, however, I could’ve happily watched them nattering away, teasing each other, and addressing the audience with equal parts cheekiness and sincere gratitude for the whole set.
Barrow took on the role of the wind-up dad, often poking loving fun at Young, the long-haired and slightly younger member who ended up being compared to Barrow’s 16-year-old son, “the bloke from Beauty and the Beast,” and “Poundland Aquaman”. Not only were the band making everyone laugh out loud, but they also took the time to condemn Israel’s actions, suggesting various ways in which we can use our anger in protest.
It was a joyous experience to be surrounded by people who felt so passionately. Everyone surrendered themselves to Beak>’s music, with a group of uni students losing themselves to each track, while a couple near the front delivered some enviable moves to the electronic beats and thick basslines. I let myself loosen up; it was Friday night, after all.
The band loitered around the merch stand after the set, shaking hands and signing albums for eager fans (myself included). I knew I was going to have a good time, but only in the presence of such established and experienced musicians who clearly live for their craft, can you walk away from a gig feeling so incredibly euphoric.
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