Fink - Live at Komedia

Fink live at Komedia, Bath 15.02.2012

Fin “Fink” Greenall is the renowned producer, internationally acclaimed DJ and Ninja Tune heavy hitter who has become better known in recent years for his entrancing acoustic melodies and honest song writing.

Wednesday’s live performance from Fink saw Komedia’s impressive capacity packed from front right to the back bar and considering it was a school night it spoke volumes about Fink’s exponential popularity. Bath was the first stop on the 19 date European tour to promote their fifth album Perfect Darkness - and what a way to kick things off.

Supporting was Rachel Sermanni, Scotland’s answer to a young Laura Marling back in her Alas, I Cannot Swim days. Sermanni provided a perfect aural accompaniment; her opening gambit a folksy ditty Breath Easy set a mellow and beautiful tone that lasted the course of the night. Sermanni boasted a remarkable range which was accompanied by a dulcet voice that rang like a bell when hitting the higher notes.  Her wide eyed wonder and sweet Scottish twanged speaking voice won over the audience and had everyone enchanted for the outset.

But the main event couldn’t be touched; we all knew what we were really there for.  The attention to detail was great with the stage set up with around 40 angle-poise lights that would make an IKEA display blush. The lamps light the band from behind, beating and pulsing in time with the music.

With Fink front and centre accompanied by Tim Thornton on drums and Guy Whittaker on bass they admitting to succumbing to nerves after a long break from playing together. However it was apparent to everyone to see the sheer joy that came across their faces to play together again and enjoy the music. Fink covered everything from their most popular songs to a nine minute long tune they described as being “trance-folk-blues” including some glimpses of prog rock of epic proportions.

The rendition of “Troubles What Your In” was achingly faultless and by the penultimate song something happened that I have never experienced before; communal clapping that didn’t make me feel like the only atheist at an evangelical church, I even joined in - albeit briefly. By the end of the show the audience had been whipped up into a frenzy of appreciation for such a genuinely impressive show which was reciprocated just as fervently by the band who looked honestly touched by the amazing vibe that easily lasted the whole night.

There are not many bands that can make me forget that I’ve been on my feet for a good eight hours and I’ve still got to run to catch the last train back to Bristol but Fink are undoubtedly a band with the ability to lift the darkest mood and forget any woes, big or small. I couldn’t recommend catching them strongly enough.      Their tour continues tonight at the Academy, Oxford.