There are a cappella groups and then there is Out of The Blue on of the finest all male a cappella groups I have had the good fortune to see. With a new fringe show celebrating 10 years of the University of Oxford music group and they gave one hell of a show. Out of the Blue are a male a cappella group from Oxford University who give one of the funniest, heartfelt, and electrifying performance you are likely to see, they had the crowd eating out their hands.
Out of The Blue are: Dave Brennan, George Eddy, Dom Fladrich, Harry Fox, Ben Holder, Tim Jones, Alexei Kalveks, Ben Lindley, Matt Lynch, Fergus McIntosh, Mark Smith, Grant Swanson, Danny Swift
Their show was a mix of pop, classics, and some well choreographed dancing but when they sang the Billy Joel classic Lullaby (Goodnight My Angel) they really set themselves apart and showed a very appreciative audience just how good they really are. This song was beautifully performed and really touches you and after such a high start the slowed down the slow to give you a pure and genuine song, these guys are magic.
For the past 10 years the guys have been performing around Oxford and the world with their shows at the fringe being one of the highlights for people who like a cappella groups, what they offer is something all together different. They, much like the other a cappella groups, have skilfully updated pop music whilst keeping the tradition of a cappella performing, the result is stunning to listen to and the roar from the audience was loud.
Tonights show saw a them sing a variety of songs from their three albums (their little plug for this was quite funny with one of them saying they had to be less sarcastic when mentioning the CDs). Their first song was the Human League classic “Don’t you want me baby” which was followed quite surprisingly by “Bad Boys” and later “Sex Bomb” (you really needed to see this). The guys have been well advised to take grater advantage of their numbers and try to choreograph credible dances for their 50 minute show and this worked exceptionally. When they sang “The Lion Sleeps to Night” I was sold!
Out of the Blue offer yet another example of how a cappella can (and should) be performed. Their skill and playfulness is delightful to see and with only four days left the guys still have a excitable energy that really does light up the room. The show last night was full of life and their encore by Backstreet Boys was slick and well oiled.
A Cappella groups are not as common as they should be, the groups that we have had the pleasure of seeing this year are gifted musicians and wonderful performers who have truly impressed me with their shows. Out of the Blue are a smash!
C plaza (george square theatre) 5-30 Aug (not 20) at 16:15 (0hr50)
Tickets £8.50-£10.50 / concessions £7.50-£9.50 / children £5.50-£7.50
To book tickets call 0845 260 1234.
