Johnny Depp appearing on stage in York. That was the prolific rumour circulating for the weeks leading up to Babybird’s gig at Fibbers. But what does this Sheffield based indie band, famed for their 1996 hit single ‘You’re Gorgeous,’ have in common with the Hollywood A-lister and world renowned heart throb?
It turns out Depp is a massive fan of Babybird, appearing as a guest guitarist on the bands sixth album, ‘Ex-Maniac’ and directing the haunting video to ‘Unloveable’. Depp has described the bands leadsinger Stephen Jones as ‘a national treasure’ believing him to be lyrically ‘brilliant and sharp as a razor.’
Jones did not disappoint, impressing fans with new material such as the dry and beautiful ‘Failed Suicide Club.’ The latest single ‘Unloveable’ promises a successful year for the band, as the melodic lyrics documents a bitter yet inspired self-loathing. Babybird’s appeal lies within their ability to embed reflections on the horrible, violent parts of life within epic, multi-layers guitars.
Despite Depp’s absence, Babybird drew a large crowd, including many thirty-something’s who sang more energetically than anyone half their age. Jones proved an iconic front man, well known for interspersing his songs with extremist views, dedicating one song to the killers of Jamie Bulger and ordering that they be ‘strung up by their necks.’
The band finished with a far more light-hearted encore of ‘You’re Gorgeous.’ Yet, as I sang along with all the happiness embodied in nineties nostalgia, I realised that these lyrics too had a hint of the bitter and twisted in them. Yet it is such bitter-sweet realisations which make Babybird’s lyrical dejection so ironically loveable.
By Sophie Ann James