MY LATEST NOVEL (London Spitz, 28/02/07)

On paper, My Latest Novel should be one of my favourite live bands- a wonderful catalogue of work (infused with a luscious yet understated folkiness that makes them sound like the sober, Presbyterian younger brother of the Arcade Fire); talented musicians; big, glacial build-ups culminating in explosions of beautiful sound. And yet they’re not. There’s something missing from the equation, a certain spark that prevents them from reaching the heady heights they’re clearly capable of. It could partly have something to do with their dour Scottish demeanours; whilst perfectly pleasant, it’d be fair to say they aren’t the most charismatic bunch. A below-par sound mix doesn’t help matters either; the vocals were buried far too low on both occasions I’ve seen them. Also, there’s always that nagging feeling that the band aren’t performing to their full potential; there were too many moments where I thought “this could be amazing if they put a bit more ‘oomph’ into it”. The fantastic encore of Sister Sneaker Sister Soul just underlined the subdued nature of the rest of their set, displaying the verve and intensity that should, and could have been present throughout. It’s a shame, as they have the talent to be unmissable- as it stands, they’re merely good.
On the other hand, supports Peter and the Wolf were an absolute revelation. Consisting of a beardy guitar-and-piano-playin’ frontman, a instrument-twirling double bassist and a gleefully enthusiastic barefoot percussionist, they played with the infectious passion the headliners were so solely lacking. I’d never heard any of their material previously, but it’s fantastic- not a weak song in the set. Their sound isn’t particularly innovative, but it’s infused with the same instant timelessness that Camera Obscura do so well (although these guys are far more jolly than those wistfully melancholy Scots.) DEFINITELY an act to look out for in the future.