Athlete at Nantwich Words and Music Festival

The Nantwich Words and Music Festival has once again been hailed a success.

Dozens of artists have performed live at a string of venues across the town over the last week. Joy Cassidy went along to watch Athlete in one of the festival’s final shows.

In the grand venue of the Crown Ballroom in Nantwich, Athlete could not have made their audience feel more at home as they performed an intimate closing gig to the Nantwich Words and Music Festival 2012.

It was something of a homecoming for indie rock band member Carey Willets who originally comes from Crewe, and the friendly atmosphere and supportive jibes from the audience certainly reflected the convivial vibe that resonated around the grandiose room.

Carey was joined by lead singer and guitarist Joel Pott as they played out an acoustic set that conveyed a more tranquil and sedated side to the normally exuberant sounds of Athlete, when performing as their usual four-piece.

The band’s characteristic blend of acoustic and synthesised sounds would have been too overpowering here, and their stripped down set fitted perfectly with the premise of the festival; only the essential elements of the music, with the words shining through.

Singing songs from a successful career spanning over ten years and four albums, including Dungeoness, El Salvador, Rock Scene and Rubix Cube, Joel and Carey captivated the audience with their heartfelt sound, and humoured them with their jovial banter – even (unconvincingly) comparing themselves at one point to boyband Westlife.

The audience obviously had a real appreciation for the skilled song-writing and genuine talent of the band as they demanded an encore after the relatively short 45-minute set.

Coyly returning on stage with the humility that sets Athlete apart from mainstream artists, Joel finished the set by performing one of the band’s most successful hits, Wires.

A song so emotionally charged, that as Joel’s gritty yet delicate voice pulsated around the room, it’s rousing effect was etched on the face of every fan.

An inspiring and heart-rendering performance.

(words and picture by Joy Cassidy)

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