Hove’s, recently rescued, ‘The Old Market’ buzzed with 500 fans who had secured tickets for Paul Weller’s ‘Secret’ gig, as part of Brighton’s’ ‘The Great Escape’ festival – not a bad crowd for 2pm on a Saturday.
Weller and the band kicked things off by thudding through the blues-powered ‘White Sky’ – the opening track off his new album ‘Saturn’s Pattern’.
There was barely time to catch your breath as they stormed through 12 tracks in 45 minutes, including 5 from the new LP.
The rest of the songs spanned Weller’s long solo career, showcasing his raw voice and limitless energy.
The band were a tight, accomplished unit – bringing a confident, relaxed power to tracks like 1995’s semi-psychedelic ‘The Changingman’.
The musicianship was consummate and the frontman was on top form. However, it’s hard not to feel that the appearance of a ‘Jam’ or ‘Style Council’ classic would have elevated the show into an even more memorable performance.
Pete Humphreys