poppedmusic

Tom Butler and Model Aeroplanes

Tooting Tram & Social, November 19th

Words: Stuart Evans

Discovering exciting, new, wonderful musical talent is something I’m always on the look out for. And when it lands without warning, like tonight, having no idea who will be performing first, it’s bloody awesome. Even if it meant travelling ‘saff of the river’
Tom Butler is a singer-songwriter hailing from Seattle but has landed in London, the poor fella even works Brackell, but that’s by the by, this guy has some serious talent.
Performing solo (he normally has a five piece band with him) Tom showcased his incredible range of songs, lyrically heartfelt and a beautiful voice, the songs radiated around the venue (Which, by the way, is pretty special, I can’t recommend it any higher)
Tom opened with On the line the opening track from his EP of the same name (available online now here) the chorus sounded euphoric even with just one vocal, as a group the harmonies sound massive. Lyrically this guy has a refreshing stance on life and that is so welcome.
Tom won the PRS for Music Songwriting prize for the Mayor of London’s Gigs Big Busk busking competition with the quite wonderful Boats which he described as “my mum’s favourite” you have taste Tom’s mum.
Other highlights include Alone I haven’t stopped singing the chorus and ‘Malea’ but the final track of his set, Heart was sheer perfection, “why can’t we just be better, than we were yesterday” well with Tom’s music, we can…..

After such a brilliant opening act it was time for the main event; Model Aeroplanes. Dundonian’s finest four piece Indie power pop have finally performed in London, and after much hassling from me (Sorry Grant!) it was so worth the wait.
I’ve loved these guys for an age on record but when they perform live they have move up to the big league. Bundles of energy bouncing off the walls, a sonic sound with punchy lyrics delivered by lead singer Rory who already looks completely at home as the front man (reminded me of Alex Turner, that’s no band thing, right?)
Previewing tracks from what will hopefully be a debut album next year, the guys looked fresh and ready to take on London despite a long drive down that day. They performed a new song that they had only finished at the weekend Cover up and it sounded massive.
Up all night was dedicated by Rory to their Caravan (lucky vehicle) and we also heard of tales of staying in brothels and with two Korean boys on previous journeys down South, save that for the autobiography, Rory!
Track of the night, Club Low, sounds bigger live; there’s a real force to the song which is calmer on record. I would go so far as to say these guys remind me of a pre Is This It era The Strokes; powerful, short and driven songs and as they point out, the set is short because ‘all our songs are two minutes long’. But we can live with that..
So, Model Aeroplanes, a band that will undoubtedly take off in 2015, get on board.