Hyde & Beast–Head Of Steam, Sunderland (Lunchtime A Dark Mistake Session)

Peculiar days, as i enter Sunderland’s Head of Steam, previous incarnation  know as The Dun Cow, to enjoy a lunchtime semi-acoustic intimate gig from the talented Hyde & Beast performing as a 4-piece to help launch the band’s own liquid beverage titled A Dark Mistake, the Ale named after the the song from second studio album, ‘Keep Moving’.

The recently refurbished venue is a good choice for this midday occasion, with the A Dark Mistake on tap for the crowd that filled most of downstairs and talking with barman Duncan plans are afoot later this month to turn the space above, former living quarters to use as a function room, expect some some interesting gigs and nights from the Yee-side based Head Of Steam chain.

It has been a busy year for the more organic and relaxed Hyde & Beast. The only real change I guess, is how the band’s sound has travelled  since 2011’s ‘Slow Down’ which  suggested 1970s Californian haze and hum. In comparison ‘Keep On moving’  comes with added brass and more expanded sound, both of which adds more lavish soundtrack to emotive stylings, odd tempos and coupled with song-writing experience today’s performance easily demonstrates. This has resulted in a recent UK Tour and many international festival outings.

Originally formed as a side project by The Futureheads’ Dave Hyde and Neil Bassett of The Golden Virgins has developed into a fully fledged band with Neil recalling afterwards that 16 musicians had been involved either in studio or live. Today they are joined by Steve Angus and Luke Beeson to complete.

So, after some last minute guitar tuning the four track A Dark Mistake 4-track session began strongly with the album title track ‘Keep Moving’ even delivered as more acoustic rendition, the song just reeks of groove winning appreciation from the 30 strong crowd. ‘Animals’ works well as It does on ‘keep on moving’ album. Then Dave announces “This is the tricky one…” as Hyde & Beast take on an enjoyable version of ‘A Dark Mistake’, and if this session had been on John Peel’s In Session Show then Strange Fruit would be pressing the 12” within hours| As it is, this lunchtime drinks promotion works a treat, the Head of steam is a fine traditional pub brought back to life. For Hyde & Beast a creative power lunch and a fine pint as well.  8/10
Steve Janes

All live photos by Elaina Thompson

Catch the fully plugged in Hyde & Beast band at The independent for a Christmas show, complete with strange coloured vinyl, sequins and full tilt brass section.