Four Day Hombre @ Newcastle Academy 2, Monday 09 January, 2006 Walking into the Carling Academy 2 was like walking into a ghost town. You almost expected to see the tumbleweed drift along the bare floor, and hear the wind whistling through the deserted bar area. | "Comparisons to Chris Martin are obvious, though Simon’s voice is possessed with a more breathless and ethereal edge." | |
Perhaps it was fitting then, that the band’s chosen name, Four Day Hombre, was apt for this Western-like scenario. The guys may not see it like that however, as playing to no more than 30 people is not the best way to kick off a 20 date UK tour. This same band have sold out venues in their hometown of Leeds, have stunned audiences at the Blakey Festival, and have got considerable backing from the likes of Radio One and the NME, so if the underwhelming size of this Geordie crowd alarmed them, they didn’t let it show. Remarkable What you have with Four Day Hombre is a remarkable hybrid of light and shade. While at ease with the slow, melancholic passages of sorrowful repent, a quick change of tempo will see them taking out that built up frustration in a wild thrashing of instruments. New single, The First Word is the Hardest, is a good example, showcasing Simon Wainwright's wistful vocals, before climaxing in a swift drum march, underpinned with waves of howling guitar.
 | | Hey, where did the colour go? |
Comparisons to Chris Martin are obvious, though Simon’s voice is possessed with a more breathless and ethereal edge. While the sound quality of the gig is uneven, Simon’s voice shines through as the band’s main focal point. Passion The mournful 13th of the Month is another wonderful track, that will have you reaching for the Kleenex, and 1000 Bulbs is performed with passion and vigour. You can tell the band believe in their music, and on this evidence, they have every right to. Honest and reflective, and unpolished enough to remain exciting, the music of Four Day Hombre is worthy of a more robust setting. The small audience appreciated their efforts, and the band rewarded them with a soulful and heartfelt gig of beautifully crafted pop songs. Let's hope that the next time the band comes to Newcastle, it is the Cooperage or the Cluny who are hosting their considerable talents, so that a wider range of people are there to witness them. It's the least they deserve. And the beer’s cheaper too. Your comments Jimmy
Spot On, one day, when Four Day Hombre are huge I'll be able to say I was there! however when will the Carling Academy realise that crap sound and super high drinks prices do not make for a good live music venue !! | 
