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Not brilliant. Not dull. Just Gray.
By PUNCH SHAW
Special to the Star-Telegram
GRAND PRAIRIE -- For much of British rocker David Gray's performance at Nokia Theatre on Friday night, the lighting design threw a shadow of the singer on a screen behind the band.
This device was perhaps a fitting metaphor for Gray, who is something of a shadowy figure on the rock scene.
On the one hand, he is known well enough to tour in the United States and draw a crowd of 3,400 at this particular stop.
On the other hand, there are a lot of people who keep up with contemporary music but who cannot name a song by Gray other than his one (sort of) hit, Babylon -- which is now more than 5 years old.
Gray's show on Friday explained that contradiction pretty clearly.
His music is enough like some of the biggest bands around now -- especially Coldplay and Dave Matthews -- that it is immediately comfortable for some listeners.
But, for those who find Gray's music to be too much like those bigger bands, he just isn't worth the time.
Working through most of the tracks from his 2005 CD Life in Slow Motion, as well as a great deal of his earlier material, Gray gave both sides plenty of ammunition in the debate over his level of talent.
There was a lot to like in Gray's earnest delivery and in the tightness of his five-piece band.
And he tried to do things a bit differently, such as using a cellist and placing the drummer down stage left rather than behind the band.
The crowd appeared to enjoy almost everything the band did during the lengthy performance, whether the star was playing guitar, piano or harmonica. Among the standouts were Hospital Food, The One I Love and Nos Da Cariad.
If you weren't already a Gray fan, however, there was not a great deal in this concert to change your mind. There is a certain sameness to his songs that is compounded by their similarity to other singers we know. And while most of his compositions are pleasing enough, few really distinguish themselves from the pack.
Until Gray finds a more unique sound, or creates that really defining hit, he is going to remain more of a shadow on the wall than a light on the grand marquee of rock music.
Fellow Brits Aqualung warmed up for Gray. If Gray is Coldplay-meets-Dave Matthews, then Aqualung is Coldplay-meets-Radiohead.
Like the headliner, the four-piece band was good, but just a tad familiar in its half-hour set.
