Artist - Squid

Venue - The Engine Rooms

Town - Southampton UK

The Engine Rooms can seem a bit sterile sometimes to see bands, it doesn't have a character that endears you to the place, that said they get some brilliant bands to play here as it can pack a fair few hundred punters in.

So I was pleased to be there as I hadn't seen Squid for a year or two plus with the acclaimed album Cowards as the focus of the show it was to be on point. Squid spread themselves to every inch of the stage with their musical paraphernalia, all with the purpose of adding character to the song in question. With Cello, Trumpet, violin and various shakers all making appearances it made for a fascinating listen on top of the creative jazz/punk tunes they created, all were recreated live with superb dynamics. The tracks from Coward are maybe less "in your face" and ebb and flow more smoothly than earlier creations. The interest in Squid surely was their ability to use each song as a mini opus full of twists and change of tempo, there is never a 4/4 with verse /chorus /verse though I am sure if their hearts desired they could write a pop song?

The more upbeat compositions got a bounce going with the front of the crowd, though the band looked on nonplussed, deep in the battle with their instruments. What a great night....