Mystery Jets

New-indie veterans Mystery Jets have been delighting their fans with delicious tracks since 2004. From the eponymous ‘Making Dens’ through to the more contemporary, synthesised ‘Radlands’, the band have accumulated an impressive selection of dance-inducing, sing-a-long-lending songs that excel in their live performance.
Lead singer Blaine Harrison and the boys tore through their bass-heavy classic ‘Half in Love with Elizabeth’, as the distinctively shaggy-haired and sparkly-topped frontman inspired a high-pitched chant from his audience. They plunged into the love lament ‘Serotonin’ with its recognisable guitar riff, as Harrison’s London drawl seeped through, before crashing into the high-paced ‘Hideaway’.
Emotions rose and the pace slowed for the tragically wonderful ‘Flakes’, causing a sea of swaying arms from their tightly packed crowd and some rather spine-tingling harmonies. And of course we can’t forget ‘After Dark’ - the positively Daft Punky collaboration with The Count & Sinden, a perfect piece of dance-pop with plenty of synthesisers and a samba beat.
With an array of tracks, from feet-movers to heart-clenchers, the group put on a superb, eclectic show. It’s alleged that Mystery Jets were originally called ‘The Misery Jets’ before Harrison accidentally misspelt the name on their drum kit – let’s just say we’re definitely glad they kept their new one. Despite some of their heartbreak-inspired tracks, you certainly won’t be left feeling miserable after watching these fellas.

Mystery Jets, already, have had quite the eccentric career; starting out on Eel Pie Island in the mid-noughties, their debut record, Making Dens, was a strange brew of influences - it was almost as if they’d made a progressive indie rock record. That was during a time, of course, when frontman Blake Harrison could count his dad, Henry, amongst his bandmates; he no longer tours with the band, but as far as I can discern, he’s still involved in the recording process. When they followed up Making Dens with the terrific Making Dens in 2008, it marked one of the great reinventions in recent British history; suddenly, the eccentricity that had marked their previous output fell by the wayside, and in its place, we simply had a fabulous pop album. On stage, the setup’s remained much the same since Harrison Sr.’s departure, save for the loss of bass player Kai Fish a few years later; Harrison Jr., who suffers with spina bifida, plays gigs seated, but still flits between guitar and keyboards - the band also have a policy, as far as possible, to avoid venues that don’t offer suitable access for disabled fans. Guitarist William Rees takes on lead vocal duties on his fair share of songs, too, including Laura Marling collaboration ‘Young Love’, which they performed with her at London’s Royal Festival Hall back in 2012, the same year they dropped their most recent full-length, Radlands; expect them back before long with new material and dates.

The first time I saw the Mystery Jets, banging pots and pans and strumming acoustic guitars playing to a confused crowd of onlookers outside a student union bar in south west London, it was obvious that there was something about them that was a little... different (and not just the fact that one of the guitarist was the singer’s Dad). The last time I was in the same room as them, watching them play a rapturously received set to a sold out crowd at the Royal Festival Hall, things were certainly slicker, but I was delighted to see that the uniqueness that made them so intriguing to me in the first place hadn’t left them (their Dad had, however, made a dignified exit by this point). It was just that Blaine Harrison and co. had added more strings to their bow, delving in to straight up pop (with the likes of the superb "Two Doors Down" and "Greatest Hits") and heart wrenching balladry (have you heard "Flake" live? Oh my...) without losing their wide eyed, everything and the kitchen sink approach to exploring the possibilities that still remain in indie rock. If they’re not counted as national treasures already, I’d wager they’re only one more great record away.

Great gig. Band are very tight and worried through brilliant back catalogue as well as unheard new stuff. Excellent venue at Wylam brewery as well. Intimate size so great atmosphere. Highly recommend the band and venue!

One of the best bands I've ever seen! Great concert!! Just wish they could play something of the album Radlands!Having the opportunity to see them in such small venues is amazing! Totally awesome experience!