Bluetones frontman returned to London last weekend to be the jewel in the crown of the Shiiine On summer party at 229. A gig with Mark Morriss is more than just a mesh of solo tracks and Bluetones classics. With a little charm and a lot of style, he’ll reel in the unbelievers, quieten the talkers and enthrall the diehard fans.
Those unaware of his solo career are reeled in with ‘Rimini’. The stripped-back acoustic version loses none of its ability to convey the loss of certainty and civility “that” vote brought in 2016. Despair has never sounded this good!
His muse has clearly been undeterred by lockdown on the new song ‘Madeline’. A darker tinged number showcased more strings to his bow. Then, on ‘Sick Again’, he exudes vibrancy and bombast that his 90s fame can only look on at in awe.
The Bluetones always had an ability to open the deepest of wounds. When Morriss strips their classics back, in this form the fervour skyrockets! The opening couplet of Bluetonic “When I am sad and weary / When all my hope is gone” will undoubtedly, transported many to the glory of 96. However, with covid still looking on from the abyss, recent traumas also flood the senses.
‘Learning To Fly’ opener ‘Talking To Clarry’ was given a glorious outing. As his vocals hit the achingly beautiful climax of “communication is blurred / I can’t understand a word”, we raised a wry smile. The Shiiine On festival has grown into a small family over the years. People from all over the UK have forged friendships at their festivals because one is never a stranger when you love the same band.
If like us, this is not enough Morriss, The Bluetones kick off the Star Shaped tour this Friday with Sleeper!