Phosphorescent

Date:  Tuesday 7th June 2011

Venue:  Heaven


Dan Michaelson

I was really looking forward to tonight in a very straightforward way - I knew it couldn't be anything other than brilliant.  Seeing and hearing Phosphorescent for the first time at End of the Road 2010 had been one of my festival highlights, and although not perhaps an obscure discovery it was one which has brought plenty of listening pleasure over the past few months. The latest record, Here's To Taking It Easy is stuffed with great songs - an instant classic. And anyone who's released a Wille Nelson covers album (To Willie) has to be A Good Thing.

As I definitely wanted a good spec, we found ourselves right down at the front, which in Heaven means your shoulders are about level with the top of the stage.  Support was provided by Dan Michaelson and the Coastguards, who I thought were pleasant enough, but possibly not the most gripping start to the evening.

Then Phosphorescent (really just a working title for singer-songwriter Matthew Houck) took to the stage and the evening really swung into action. Many of the songs played were from Here's to Taking It Easy, and high points inevitably included "Mermaid Parade","It's Hard to Be Humble (When You're from Alabama)" and ‘Nothing Was Stolen (Love Me Foolishly)’.  The backing band rocked pretty hard and there was plenty of hair flying and headbanging, especially from the keyboardist!  Then, after the main set with the band, Houck came back for an extended solo encore, using a new rig for the first time to play "Hej, Me I'm Light" with the aid of loop pedals, which more or less worked out. 

He also sang absolutely beautiful versions of "Wolves" and "My Dove, My Lamb" from 2007's Pride.  People had been calling out for some Wille Nelson songs, and Houck did oblige by bringing back the band (the 'Taking It Easy' band as he referred to them, presumably assembled specially for the record and subsequent tour) for a rousing rendition of "Reasons To Quit" which saw Houck displaying some rock star moves, pacing the front of the stage and reaching down to fans.  Finishing with a swampy and intense version of "Los Angeles", Phosphorescent lived up to some pretty high expectations tonight. There was some inexplicable grousing from P, but I think I found Houck a new fan in L, and we all left happy.  Heaven is so easy to get home from as well, so more gigs here please..!