Thursday, August 28, 2014

EELS (London Barbican, 24/07/14)



I’ve seen Mark “E” Everitt five occasions now, and each performance has been completely different from the last. From string-drenched classicalism, to gospel revivalism, to dour acoustic minimalism, to balls-to-the-wall rock and roll, it’s hard to predict where he’s going to take his live set-up next, even if the mode of his songwriting never changes all that radically. This time round, he’s gone for a Leonard Cohen vibe, all xylophone and tubular bells and richly orchestrated arrangements, which rather fits the more sober demeanour of the now fifty-something indie veteran. Sure, the set’s a little short not least because of the lack of trademark “surprise” encores, but at least there’s room for a shedload of classics – not least Last Stop This Town, 3 Speed, My Beloved Monster, It’s a Motherfucker and A Daisy Through Concrete. A most agreeable evening, in all.

No comments: