For me the Polyphonic Spree have always just kinda been there. One of those bands that there was a lot of hype about at a point in time and rather than pale into obscurity have managed to keeping going, keep churning out songs and albums and as I learned last night – tend to have a die-hard group of loyal fans.  I accidentally found out about this gig a week before it was due to happen. And known, as they are, for their sheer numbers and unique style in many senses, I thought this is a gig not to be missed.
To celebrate their 15th anniversary as a band, they undertook this tour playing their 2002 debut, The Beginning Stages of…, in its entirety at every show, by way of thanks to their fans.

It was a slow emergence onto stage, navigating trip hazards and musical instruments for the 14 performers culminating in the appearance of founder and ‘leader’ the surfer-dude-esque,Tim DeLaughter. Kicking off with one of (what would become clear) many anthemic songs, Have a Day/Celebratory awakened the audience.

Classed by some as ‘choral rock’ they all appeared in long white tunic garbs with splashes of colour. The first four or five tracks took us on a journey of merriment mostly. A barely-half full Liquid Rooms, was actually quite complimented by some really die-hard fans, the majority being single, white males in their forties – who would have guessed?

Lots of chanting and repetition does nothing to dispel the choir, nay cult, comparisons. At times I find myself over focussing on random things that are happening at the back of the stage. Having 14 people on stage is distracting. DeLaughter has been allocated the most space on stage and moves around the most, conducting the band, but also the audience. Intermittent bursts of colour abound from 4 cheap disco light balls placed on stage; it is strangely effective if a bit cheesy. All other members of the band have a square foot or less to manoeuvre in, the four backing singers didn’t ever actually move off their spot except for the track where everyone lay down on the stage during the piano solo.

Soldier Girl is a highlight of the evening’s performance with the audience robustly singing along. The drawn-out crescendo sees DeLaughter teetering on an amp at the front of the stage but we all know he’s fully in control of everything that’s going on. Reach for the Sun followed which, as the most played song on UK advertising, as you would expect, was somewhat of a crowd-pleaser.

That eventually changed though when a sound issue held things up between a couple of tracks. DeLaughter regaled the audience earlier, following a costume change into a tartan kaftan, about how his original robe had been stolen and he was playing ‘some gig’ (T in the Park) and a fan this new one for him, 11 years beforehand and he was still wearing it and indeed had worn it at Glastonbury, or at least he thought he did. What was friendly banter during that story turned into some audience members roaring out the names of every Polyphonic Spree song they could think of, in an attempt to prompt them to sing one they had supposedly suggested. It was clearly visible DeLaughter wasn’t entertained and eventually silenced the hecklers saying we’ll play this and you’ll like it. It was a pretty cringey moment.

That atmosphere didn’t last though and it was back business. Other moments worthy of mention were Monkees cover, Porpoise song, which if you have never heard you should listen to, coupled with their fantastical lighting really did give the impression of being under the sea. The band praised and thanked their fans for 15 years and promised to return soon. They also promised to meet with fans after the show to sign merchandise, not an occurrence you see at gigs very often, which was cordial and refreshing.

The final crescendo of arms and instruments in air, while Tim DeLaughter continued to conduct the band and audience was, well epic. You couldn’t help but expect for someone in the audience to also reach for the sky and scream out ‘We are healed!! We are healed!! Praise the Polyphonic Spree!’

Track listing
Have a Day/Celebratory
It’s the Sun
Days Like This Keep Me Warm
LaLa
Middle of the Day
Soldier Girl
Light and Day/Reach for the Sun
A Long Day
Together We’re Heavy
Hold Me Now
Popular by Design
Porpoise Song (Monkees Cover)
When the Fool Becomes King
A Long Day Continues/We Sound Amazed