Belle and Sebastian

Date:  Monday 30th May 2011

Venue:  Roundhouse

All pics by @pmhigham

Heading up to Camden on a drizzly Monday evening after a very busy Bank Holiday weekend, I was feeling just a teeny bit jaded and hoping a pit stop at Chalk Farm Nando's would do the trick.  I was also feeling a little underprepared to see Belle and Sebastian, as, despite playing Tigermilk, If You're Feeling Sinister and The Boy With the Arab Strap a ridiculous amount back in the 1990s (argh!) I haven't really engaged as much with their later stuff, and this was to be the first time I'd seen them live. The band hadn't played London for years and this was the second night of a three night run at the Roundhouse, all of which had sold out.

Support on this occasion was provided by the Woodentops, whose powerful and upbeat show seemed a little too loud for some B & S aficionados.  You certainly couldn't fault the band's commitment, but for me they hadn't dated too well, had a rather confused mixed of styles, and also had quite a patronising sounding front man ("So these songs are new to some of you - how sweet").  I wouldn't go as far as Lilly, who made me laugh by tweeting that she was being 'tortured by the Woodentops', but I was resolutely unmoved by their set.

Medal ceremony

Belle and Sebastian took the stage to as riotous a reception as a B & S crowd can provide, and launched straight into the first song off the new album Write About Love, "I Didn't See It Coming". When Stuart Murdoch took centre stage the screams were sufficient to make me wonder if knickers would be flying up to the stage next, but I don't think that happened!  Murdoch was a much more charismatic and active stage presence than I was expecting, and had a really great line in banter with the crowd.  During "Lord Anthony" he even got someone in the crowd to apply mascara, and there was a nice moment when some randoms he'd invited to dance on stage during "The Boy With The Arab Strap" were awarded medals for their efforts.

A fair number of the songs tonight were from the new album and from Dear Catastrophe Waitress, with "I'm A Cuckoo" getting one of the best receptions.  There were a fews oldies too, including "Dog on Wheels", and, my favourite moment, "Get Me Away From Here, I'm Dying".  I was a bit gutted to see on Setlist FM they'd played a few more oldies the previous night (including "Fox In The Snow") but I guess that's just one of those things.  All in all, a very enjoyable performance and a great atmosphere.

http://www.setlist.fm/search?query=belle+and+sebastian+roundhouse

Colourmusic

Date:  Friday 27 May 2011

Venue:  Barfly, Camden

I didn't really know much about Colourmusic, apart from the fact they're from Oklahoma (well, three of them are, the fourth is from Yorkshire), and that they seem to be getting a bit of momentum behind them following the release of the My___is Pink album last month (their first LP after a couple of colour-themed EPs).  Listening to the album a few times whetted my appetite for this gig, as it's a wall of sound - a raw record, something of a grower and one which seems made to be performed live.  Apparently the band wanted to record what 'pink' sounds like.  They have been compared to early Flaming Lips (not sure about this really - it seems to me the similarities are more geographical than musical) but prefer to call themselves purveyors of 'Oklahoma sex rock' which sounds far more interesting.  I was expecting a loud and lively night, perfect to kick off the Bank Holiday weekend.

Driver Drive Faster (pic by @thelawes)

The gig was an XFM sponsored show, and the announcement that support would be provided by Manchester's Driver Drive Faster was very welcome, as they're a bit of a Marc Riley 6 Music favourite (and we have tickets to see them on June 22nd).  I thought they were bursting with potential, an interesting mix of British and alternative American influences and a real knack for creating a pop tune without sounding cliched or hackneyed.  Check out their 'It's All Over (It's Everywhere)' single.  

Keeping to a very strict timetable, the compere announced the next band, ANR, who turned out to be a bit of a force of nature.  A two-piece from Miami, with the always-welcome feature of a singing drummer, the crowd certainly appreciated their heavy psychedelic-tinged sound and piledriving tunes, which were a mixture of straightforwardly brilliant rock and melodic disco sounds provided by keyboards and laptop.  The downside of this event with it's strictly regulated short slots was rapidly becoming apparent - I think this is the first gig I've been to when the audience were begging for an encore from a support band, and succeeded in twisting the reluctant arm of the compere to allow a short but rumbustious finale.  Well worth looking up: http://anrmiami.com/

ANR (pic by @thelawes)

 

Colourmusic (all pics by @thelawes)

As the stage was being set up for Colourmusic the tiny room suddenly became very packed, and down at the front we almost had our heads under the microphone stands.  The Barfly was quite a lot smaller than I was expecting, and was the perfect size and shape for this sort of night.  An air of anticipation was all around.  What can I say?  Colourmusic rocked.  Singer/guitarist Ryan Hendrix said the band were very happy to be in London, but that the show was dedicated to Oklahoma, in light of the recent destructive tornadoes over there.  At the risk of being trite tonight's show was certainly a kind of anti-tornado tornado, a heavy, sweaty and totally exuberant performance which sounded fantastic.  Playing all of the new record, the twisted pop of single 'Tog' perhaps got a marginally bigger cheer only for being better known, but the whole set was a highlight really and the crowd were going mad throughout. 

It's been a while since I felt sheer disbelief when a set finished, something obviously felt by plenty of others in the crowd.  We joined the euphoric swarm to congratulate the band, who were real sweeties, and then made a bee-line for the merch stand where I suddenly found myself buying a signed bandana... 

The bassist said they'd had a great tour, but, that while nights like tonight were fantastic, they'd only played to around 3 people in Newcastle.  Unbelievable.  On the strength of this performance, I'm quite sure they won't have that problem again on the next tour.  If you get the chance to see these guys - go - you won't regret it.  Though maybe take your ear-plugs ;-)




Purchased:  ANR limited edition 7" with painted sleeve, Colourmusic bandana (I know, I know)

King Creosote and Jon Hopkins

Date:  Wednesday 25th May 2011

Venue:  Union Chapel, Islington

The stage before the concert started - view from the front row

To say I was looking forward to this is something of an understatement given that the King Creosote and Jon Hopkins collaboration Diamond Mine is one of my albums of the year so far.  They were also playing one of my favourite venues on my 31st birthday.

The first support band Geese involved samples and fiddles in a way which I wasn't sure about at first, but which really grew on me over the course of their set.  The band members later provided violin  accompaniment to KC and JH throughout.  The second support, Luke Abott, played the laptop whilst everyone talked.  I fail to get remotely excited about this sort of thing and can only assume the protagonists have a high embarrassment threshold.

Anyway, as we drank our mugs of tea the sky outside was darkening and candles were lit along the front of the stage in anticipation of the headliners.  Before they had barely sat down I just knew we were for a treat, and "John Taylor's Month Away" has got to be one of the most beautiful songs live heard live for some time.  I know Kenny's voice is brilliant on the record, but I wasn't prepared for just how amazing it really is.  His exit stage left still singing "Your Young Voice" in lieu of fading out was inspired.  He was the star of the show for me really, but Hopkins' production techniques and array of weird and wonderful sound effects also translated to a live setting brilliantly and were a key part of what made the atmosphere so entrancing.



The lovely KC (pic courtesy of @thelawes)

 After playing the whole of Diamond Mine, Kenny played a few more songs, one of which saw a gentleman of advancing years going crazy at the front :-)  KC and JH were alone on stage for the final song, a fantastic cover of "Nothing Compares 2 U" which finished to rapturous applause and a standing ovation.  I did see them have a big hug as they left the stage, and well they might!  A brilliant performance of a brilliant record.  I'm so glad we have tickets to see them do it all again at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in September as I reckon that show will sell out soon on the back of this one.  Perhaps a Mercury Award nomination in the offing too...fingers crossed.

Review of the gig from the Evening Standard: http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/music/review-23953800-king-creosote-and-jon-hopkins-sound-very-very-beautiful.do


KC and JH



Jonny Kearney and Lucy Farrell

Date:  Monday 23rd May 2011

Venue:  The Slaughtered Lamb, London EC1V

I arrived at the pub by taxi, just as Jonny and Lucy were taking the stage (late night librarian again...) so I was feeling pretty pleased with how that worked out.  It took a while to find P and L in the gloom of the basement room, but with it's small stage, comfy sofas and intimate atmosphere the venue seemed perfect for this type of show.  Extra points for stocking Brooklyn Lager and Blue Moon too.

This was the sort of gig you could just settle back and enjoy, Jonny and Lucy being such genial and unassuming characters and their beautiful and mournful music lulling the audience into a rapt silence punctuated by genuine laughter at the banter and enthusiastic applause for the songs.  I was especially pleased not to have been held up en route as the second song was one of my favourites "Letters to Lenore", which really epitomises Jonny's songwriting - a mixture of heartbreak and wry humour.  As well as playing all the songs from The North Farm Sessions, we were also treated to some new ones, called, I think, "Green Leaved Trees" and "Disease" (as well as one just introduced as 'A new song. Miserable').  Other highlights included "Dixon Street" which was written as part of a tenancy agreement on a rather dubious sounding flat in Gateshead (I think the pair met at Newcastle University) and another which involved Lucy playing the saw.  I was also amused to learn that the drink in question in the lovely "Lullaby" was really Buckfast but was changed to rose to sound classier!

All in all a lovely evening.  This pair are just so likeable and talented and I am really pleased to be seeing them again (with Martin Simpson and Alasdair Roberts) on 23rd September at the Bishopsgate Institute.

Terrible photo taken with my phone...

Link to website: http://www.jonnyandlucy.com/

Mercury Rev

Date:  Saturday 21st May 2011
Venue:  Roundhouse


A feeling of anticipation was in the air throughout the day before this particular gig (which I had to spend at work - darn you Saturday Librarian).  An ATP/Don't Look Back event, Mercury Rev were going to play the whole of Deserter's Songs.  I listened to this album a lot during my first year at university, and as that was such a crazy mixed up time not all the memories it evokes are particularly happy ones.  Such issues are not helped by the fact it is such an evocative record anyway, even if you only associate it with cleaning out the hamster cage on a Sunday afternoon.  But, although part of me was apprehensive, part of me was also very excited.  I was delighted they'd decided to do this particular concert, as for me Deserter's Songs always seemed somehow bigger than the band, with their other work more of a pale imitation.

P (full of tales of limited edition vinyl purchases at the first Independent Record Label Market on Berwick St. which I was gutted to miss) met me after work and we went for a really nice Thai dinner on Charlotte Street.  The Roundhouse was pretty busy when we arrived, but as usual there was no hassle and it was easy to get a drink and a reasonable viewing position even though we were fairly near the back.  It seemed to be a real crowd of proper gig goers - lots of earplugs and hardly any chatting.  Brilliant!

As the band took the stage it was swathed in purple light and dotted with flickering candles which added to the atmosphere.  As soon as "Holes" began I knew we were going to be in for a real treat.  Front man Jonathan Donahue delivered the songs with a real theatricality, which put me in mind of some kind of weird old time musical song cycle.  I'd never real thought of it as a 'story' record before put I guess this is indicative of the fact the album works so well as a whole.  I loved the way they celebrated the weirdness of the record, which was even more apparent live.  The biggest cheer of the night was reserved for "Goddess on a Hiway", and afterwards Donahue spoke briefly about what the success of the record meant to them.  He was touching in his recognition of what it meant to the crowd too, understanding that it is one of those albums people cling to when growing up, and saying how as an adolescent in the Catskill mountains he felt like Holden Caulfield, thinking everyone else was a 'phony'.

All in all, tonight surpassed all my expectations.  They captured the essence of the record without replicating the studio sound in a brilliant interpretation which meant new memories were formed rather than old ones merely being invoked.

After finishing the album, they came back to perform a few other songs, a highlight for me being "The Dark Is Rising", the opening song from All Is Dream.  Listening to this album on my iPod on the way home I thought perhaps I had been wrong about their other albums too.

A great night.

Whilst I was writing this, I discovered this website: http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/mercury-rev/2011/roundhouse-london-england-73d3d6b5.html

Smoke Fairies

Date:  Friday 20th May 2011
Venue: ULU

I'd never been to see a band at ULU before and was pleasantly surprised.  A good size, and although the drink selection was dismal it was cheap enough.  We arrived as the first support was finishing after a couple of bevvies in the academic common room in UCL, where L could sign P and I in as guests.  I'd been in there a few times previously, but had somehow never noticed the fantastic array of original paintings by former Slade students (Stanley Spencer, Paula Rego, Augustus John to name a few).  0/10 for observancy.

The second support were very good but unfortunately I didn't catch their name.  I know they have their first album out soon, and were lucky enough to be joined by Marques Toliver on the violin. He was excellent, and I was interested to hear his set at this year's Camden Crawl had been a highlight for L.  Very shallow, but the female vocalist had a gorgeous outfit which I must mention - a simple black top paired with calf length pleated skirt in a beautiful shade of pink.  Full marks for looking very chic in something which would make me look like an extra from the League of Gentlemen (which we had a good discussion about on the way home...)  Anyway, I must endeavour to find out who they actually were.

Marques Toliver 

This was the second time of seeing Smoke Fairies, and tickets had been purchased on the back of seeing them at last year's End of the Road festival, where they'd made an impression despite playing in the early afternoon.  I'd only had chance to listen to the new album Through Low Light and Trees a couple of times, and probably hadn't given it the attention it deserves, so was hoping the songs would come alive for me a bit more when played live.  I certainly wasn't disappointed.  The harmonies of Katherine Blamire and Jessica Davies are just lovely and there was some impressive guitar work going on.  A very enjoyable gig, and the fact it encouraged me to start this blog must say something (hopefully complimentary) about it.

Purchased: Ghosts

Compilation of A-Sides, B-Sides and an EP from the Recent Past (USA only release). Ltd Edition 12 " on marbled coloured vinyl.  Very nice.

In the beginning

I could never really see myself as a blogger, but it has occurred to me that I go to so many gigs it would be good to have a record of them, both as an aid to my increasingly unreliable memory, and possibly because it might be of interest to others.  More interesting than the contents of my organic vegetable box or the brand of toothpaste I used this morning.  Anyway, here I go.

Before I begin properly, I must list some of the best gigs I've been to this year so far:

Sufjan Stevens @ Royal Festival Hall, 12/05/11 (O.M.G.)
British Sea Power @ Westminster Reference Library, 05/03/11
The Phantom Band plus FOUND @ Dingwalls, 07/03/11
Ian McCulloch @ Liverpool Cathedral, 22/01/2011
Josh Ritter @ Scala, 19/04/11
The Handsome Family @ The Tabernacle, 17/05/11
The Low Anthem @ the Royal Festival Hall, 11/04/11
Edwyn Collins @ Shepherds Bush Empire, 16/02/11
Jonny @ Water Rats, 19/01/2011
Darren Hayman @ the Lexington, 06/01/2011

Special mention to Singing Adams @ the Lexington (with great support from The Lost Cavalry), the Old Blue Last and Rough Trade East.

And my last ever gig at the much beloved and long lamented Luminaire on the Sunday afternoon of Wake Week, Dry the River.