Louder Than The Music

Kicking off 'The Light Tour' at Testwood Baptist Church in Southampton, Phatfish and Lou Fellingham had put together an evening promising to deliver the best of both Lou's recent solo album 'Step Into The Light' and her band Phatfish's latest offering 'In Jesus'. In truth, the make up of musicians for Lou's album and that of the Phatfish band only differ marginally, making it the perfect live concert combo. So as the crowd's cheers subsided and the lights went dim, the expectant audience waited to see what would happen. As the gentle moody opening keyboard notes quietly began, the band slowly took their places on stage in the semi-darkness. Then, without warning, and with a sudden ferocity that took the crowd by surprise, dazzling bright spotlights shone out from the stage, drums and guitars strained into life as one, and the show got off to a flying start. In center stage Lou led the first few songs, before pausing to talk to the crowd.

Admitting the mistake in her choice of footwear for the evening, Lou kicked off her heels deciding to continue barefoot. A few jokes ensued, both from her and various band members, about nobody being able to see her without the additional height her shoes provided. Proceeding into the latest Phatfish title track, the instantly likeable 'In Jesus' soon had the crowd singing along. The compact stage set was superbly utilised, with an impressive array of lights and even an occasional use of the video screen with cleverly displayed lyrics shown in time to the music with effects and animations worked in.

Moving into the part of the set featuring songs from Lou's own album, a couple of additional musicians were introduced to the stage. With the added backing singer and extra keyboard player, the extended band performed such notable songs as 'Step Into The Light', 'My God Cares' and 'Holy Holy Holy'. Then there was the highlight of the evening. The song 'Looking In The Sky (Amazing God)' has quickly been picked up by Churches all round the UK since Lou's husband and fellow Phatfish member Nathan co-wrote it with popular worship leader Paul Oakley a few years back. But tonight's performance of the song was nothing short of incredible. Playing the song from start to end in a very stripped back, acoustic way, with just Lou's vocals accompanied by Nathan on keyboard and Jos on acoustic guitar, the song appeared to have ended for all intents and purposes, until the remaining members of the band silently stepped back onto stage as the lights went out and then, bang, the lights went bright, the electric guitars screamed and the drums crashed into life, as the band continued into a full blown explosive rendition of the song again. As voices throughout the hall joined in at the top of their voices with arms outstretched, the atmosphere took on new levels of awe as the words of this incredible worship song rang out.

Old hymn 'To God Be The Glory' was given an airing tonight, and whilst the words remained the same as they always were, the updated tune and slightly adjusted rhythm made for another memorable part of the evening. Taking a short breather for the mid-show interval, the band then returned to perform a number of songs from the Phatfish album. By now the crowd were well and truly warmed up and 'Mission' and 'Pardoned' were both equally stunning as this hard working band worked through their well rehearsed set.

Throughout the concert Lou's voice was absolutely incredible. Such brilliant melody with power and control. With a hugely talented band backing her up, this show delivered an exceptional evening of music. If you get the chance to catch Lou or Phatfish on tour, grab the opportunity in the full knowledge that you will be in for a brilliant time.