Taking two of Britain's most critically acclaimed but commercially unsuccessful bands and putting them together on a bill is a great idea in principle. Fans of Witness, for example, might fall in love with Grand Drive's take on the wide, epic plains of country rock. Conversely, lovers of the Wilson brothers' tight harmonies may see something in the windswept, spectral musings of Witness.
That was evidently the plan, but both bands only offered fitful examples of why they should be revered. Witness have carried the burden of being branded the "next big thing" for a few years now but have seen their star eclipsed by the likes of Coldplay and Starsailor, who offer hook-heavy variations of their Buckley and Drake themes.
Tonight, the likes of 'Til The Morning' and 'Avalanche' occasionally soar but are hampered by a sound mix that leaves vocalist Gerard Starkie gamely trying to be heard over the instruments. Guitarist Ray Chan pulls out some beautiful passages but there isn't enough variation of melody and texture in their songs to truly bring the house down. Their cult status seems likely to continue.
Grand Drive offer up an even more one-dimensional platter. Admittedly, their harmony-soaked country rock, often propelled by a booming Hammond, occasionally hits the heights but a whole set leads to an acute feeling of deja vu as one slick song of southbound trains and endless miles follows another.
It's the slower material that leaves the impression, with 'My Best Side' and 'Undone' possessing a refined elegance that allows the vocals to really pull no punches in the heartstring-tugging stakes. Unfortunately, these are brief respites and the end of their set comes as a noticeable relief to many.
Both Grand Drive and Witness may be accomplished in their own fields, but on this showing they still need to widen their horizons further and make more music that matches the vision of its originators. Only then will their promise be fully realised.
