Celebrating the release of single "Cold Feet", Jack Ladder & The Dreamlanders played their upcoming album Hurtsville in its entirety at Goodgod Small Club on Friday night, to promote its impending release after three years of waiting. The freezing weather and seemingly underground confines of Goodgod were perfectly apt for an album filled with atmospheric tones, and as a fan of Jack Ladder's previous releases I had high expectations.

Supporting act Melodie Nelson played a sexy and sensual set perfect for slow dancing. Songs such as "Colourful Memories" and "My Johnny" had a 50s Americana vibe to them which suited the small, dark backroom of Goodgod extremely well. In spite of some sound system issues at the beginning of the set and difficulties beginning their final song which were quickly fixed by some re-tuning, Melodie Nelson commanded the attention of the semi-filled room with dreamy harmonising between the two female vocalists.

By the time Jack Ladder & The Dreamlanders took the stage, the room appeared to be at near capacity. The rockabilly style of Ladder's second album Love is Gone has been replaced with a more (and I hate to say it) Nick Cave, Joy Division tone that carries on throughout the entirety of Hurtsville. Disco balls slowly spinning on the ceiling of Goodgod juxtaposed the intensity of the band as the crowd stood silent and staring. "Cold Feet" which has been circling the web for a couple of months, received a huge response from the audience; the echoing guitars, harsh drum triggers, and Ladder's beautifully baritone and pained vocals creating a dramatic and nostalgic mood. "Position Vacant" was also a crowd pleaser and got some people pulling out a few moves with its dirty rock feel. With regular drummer Laurence Pike out on the road with his own band PVT, Ces Condon of The Mess Hall took over for the night and did a great job, sliding seamlessly into the role.

For me however, something was lacking. As the set continued, Jack Ladder & The Dreamlanders lost the attention of some parts of the crowd, though this was always going to be the issue for the band, playing a mostly unheard album in its entirety, without any other more familiar songs dispersed throughout. The set was plagued with sound issues and feedback from the speakers, and synth backing tracks detracted from the live feel of previous performances.

I don't know whether it was my ridiculously high expectations, but I left wanting more than I was given. With nothing but praise given to the band in every other review I have read, let’s hope it was a one off.