1/10/2009 The WiLDHEARTS @ Shepherds Bush Empire

Subject	The WiLDHEARTS @ Shepherds Bush Empire
DateCreated	1/5/2010 1:53:00 PM
PostedDate	10/1/2009
	Us Wildhearts fans seem to be really spoilt this year! Â It doesn't seem long since the big 'Earth Vs The Wildhearts' album anniversary gig at this venue - what a night thatwas - apart from the sound being shit! Now we have another new album to celebrate and the band are touring to promote it. The new 'Chutzpah!' album is pretty good, although it doesn't actually sound that much like the Wildhearts we know and love. Â It's the most polished and produced sounding album the band have made since 'P.H.U.Q.' but it sounds completely different. Then again it's not surprising as only two members of the current lineup were on that album. 'Chutzpah!' is the most commercial sounding record the band have ever made. In fact it sounds rather American - which is surprising as it was recorded in Denmark. Personally I think the album sounds a bit like a generic US alternative band as opposed to the Wildhearts, but maybe this is deliberate? I wasn't sure at the time this tour was announced how many songs from the new album they would actually play - especially as the guitars are downtuned to C which I would expect to make the songs difficult to play live. The Wildhearts have never been predictable or prone to playing it safe though - they start the show by playing the whole album in exact running order! Â How many bands would dare do that with an album that has only just come out and many people haven't even heard yet? However, they pull it off and the songs sound bloody great! In fact, I think the 'Chutzpah!' album actually sounds better played live than on CD! In short - a triumph! Â It's a brave move starting the show with nearly 40 minutes of untried new material without anything to warm the crowd up - but the new album goes down an absolute storm! Loads of people can be heard singing along to all the words, so obviously some peopple have already heard the new stuff. I think this says as much about Wildhearts fans as it does about the band. As if playing an entire new album to start the show wasn't enough, the band take a short break and come back to hit us with what is effectively a 'Greatest Hits' set - so even people who haven't heard (or don't like) the new album have plenty to keep them happy. Not only do we get a terrific setlist of both old and brand new stuff to please everyone, but the band themselves play an absolute blinder! I don't think the Wildhearts have ever sounded as good as this - they really are on top of their game at the moment - and they look like they are loving every minute of it! I think this is the best Wildhearts show I have ever seen.