James Review: A Special Band Still Filling Arenas with Anthems of Warmth and Humanity
First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds
A talismanic Tim Booth acts as the pied piper through a set that covers the five full decades of this unique band's beloved back catalogue, alongside some fresh new bangers. 'I think our audience has got to an age where they don't want me to dive in,' chuckles Tim Booth, deciding against leaping into the front rows. This observation is not always entirely accurate, as their colossal fanbase visibly includes many younger fans, but the singer warmly acknowledges the hordes that have remained loyal throughout their remarkable five-decade journey.
From Smiths' Support to Chart Colossus
James, originally formed in Manchester and initially signed to Factory Records, never followed obvious or conventional paths to success. Booth accurately describes them as 'this crazy, idiosyncratic band who improvise freely, change the set list every single night, and play new songs which often don't even have finished lyrics.' Here, that description refers specifically to the oddly titled, eight-minute track Nantucket, named after the Massachusetts island. With its wordless chorus, electro and violin-driven groove, and verses about being 'here to inspire,' it already sounds like another potential James banger in the making.
Unlike most arena bands of their vintage and experience, James do not just stuff the two-hour, twenty-one-song set exclusively with greatest hits. There are long, moody atmospheric sections, songs drawn from lesser-loved albums, and diverse influences ranging from Brian Eno to Italian house music. Lyrical potshots are taken at billionaires and organised religion, with the unifying connection being that everything performed is profoundly anthemic and exudes genuine warmth and humanity.
Communal Moments and Powerful Performances
The opener Come Home subtly acknowledges Booth's home town of Leeds, trumpeter Andy Diagram sports a prominent 'No more war' T-shirt, and Booth is seen singing while clasping the hand of someone in the captivated audience. Driven by powerhouse drummer David Baynton-Power and with the latest additions to the lineup, Chloe Alper and Debbie Knox-Hewson, bringing rich and different musical textures, the guru-like 66-year-old singer remains the band's talismanic pied piper.
He suddenly emerges on the balcony for powerful renditions of Born of Frustration and a sublime Say Something, creating a magical, communal moment shared by all. Fan favourites Getting Away With It (All Messed Up) and the iconic Sit Down trigger arena-sized, heartfelt sing-alongs. In a thrilling contradiction of his earlier statement, Booth eventually dives headlong from the stage, carried aloft over a sea of upstretched hands. What a uniquely brilliant and special band they continue to be. The tour continues at P&J Live, Aberdeen, on 7 April, with further dates scheduled.
