Review: HERE
(Photo: Anika Mottershaw)
Monday, August 30, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
FOOL'S GOLD (London Borderline, 16/08/10)
Nice polyrhythms and and commendable amount of groove, but given the hype I was a little disappointed. Zun Zun Egui do this kind of thing with a lot more variety and character. Disappointed to miss most of DM Stith's support set, but what I caught was as haunting as you'd expect.
(Photo: Indindo1 (Flickr))
Nice polyrhythms and and commendable amount of groove, but given the hype I was a little disappointed. Zun Zun Egui do this kind of thing with a lot more variety and character. Disappointed to miss most of DM Stith's support set, but what I caught was as haunting as you'd expect.
(Photo: Indindo1 (Flickr))
Friday, August 06, 2010
JENS LEKMAN (London Union Chapel, 03/08/10)
Review: HERE (co-written by Ama Chana)
(Photo: Anika Mottershaw)
Review: HERE (co-written by Ama Chana)
(Photo: Anika Mottershaw)
Thursday, July 29, 2010
TOMORROW, IN A YEAR (London Barbican, 27/07/10)
Dear everyone involved in the production of Tomorrow In A Year,
What the bollocks was that all about?
Yrs respectfully,
A.E.
(Photo: Anika Mottershaw)
Dear everyone involved in the production of Tomorrow In A Year,
What the bollocks was that all about?
Yrs respectfully,
A.E.
(Photo: Anika Mottershaw)
Friday, July 23, 2010
SCHOOL OF SEVEN BELLS (London Scala, 20/07/10)
The School of Seven Bells live experience isn't radically different to the recorded one, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Shoegazey dream-pop doesn't call for visceral stage presence, and the laid-back demeanour of the band does nothing to detract from the quality of the new material, including the obscenely lush "Windstorm." Louder vocals would have been nice, but all in all, a perfectly enjoyable, if not epoch-defining show.
(Kudos also due to Active Child. Given that he's a primarily electronic artist, I totally didn't expect the harp. Good man.)
(Photo: John Gleeson (Flickr))
The School of Seven Bells live experience isn't radically different to the recorded one, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Shoegazey dream-pop doesn't call for visceral stage presence, and the laid-back demeanour of the band does nothing to detract from the quality of the new material, including the obscenely lush "Windstorm." Louder vocals would have been nice, but all in all, a perfectly enjoyable, if not epoch-defining show.
(Kudos also due to Active Child. Given that he's a primarily electronic artist, I totally didn't expect the harp. Good man.)
(Photo: John Gleeson (Flickr))
Saturday, July 10, 2010
ARCADE FIRE (Casino de Paris, 05/07/10)
Bit of an odd one, this. Suburban War and the cranked-up Month of May apart, I wasn't sold on the new material; the Suburbs in particular was tepid and uninspiring at best. The crowd were really subdued until the big hits came out and the sound was pretty flat throughout. Laika was a bit half-arsed, and the nifty projections (State Trooper Win!) were underutilised. And of all the Neon Bible songs to play, they chose fucking Intervention.
BUT. The lighting was cool, and interestingly done. Power Out/Rebellion was typically awesome, as was old favourite Haiti. Win seemed on good form, even if the rest of the band seemed tired. And Tunnels/Wake Up really was my live musical highlight of the year- think I may have done my vocal chords some permanent damage.
It was almost like there were two completely different bands playing- the better-than-average, but nonetheless MOR indie plodders on the one hand, and THE MOTHERFUCKING ARCADE FIRE of the Funeral-era on the other. The fact remains that without the encore, that performance would have struggled to make my Top 20 this year, and for the band I've regarded as the high watermark of live music ever since I started going to gigs- in fact, the band that ignited my fanatical love of gigs in the first place- that's just not good enough.
(Photo: Oliver Peel (Flickr))
Bit of an odd one, this. Suburban War and the cranked-up Month of May apart, I wasn't sold on the new material; the Suburbs in particular was tepid and uninspiring at best. The crowd were really subdued until the big hits came out and the sound was pretty flat throughout. Laika was a bit half-arsed, and the nifty projections (State Trooper Win!) were underutilised. And of all the Neon Bible songs to play, they chose fucking Intervention.
BUT. The lighting was cool, and interestingly done. Power Out/Rebellion was typically awesome, as was old favourite Haiti. Win seemed on good form, even if the rest of the band seemed tired. And Tunnels/Wake Up really was my live musical highlight of the year- think I may have done my vocal chords some permanent damage.
It was almost like there were two completely different bands playing- the better-than-average, but nonetheless MOR indie plodders on the one hand, and THE MOTHERFUCKING ARCADE FIRE of the Funeral-era on the other. The fact remains that without the encore, that performance would have struggled to make my Top 20 this year, and for the band I've regarded as the high watermark of live music ever since I started going to gigs- in fact, the band that ignited my fanatical love of gigs in the first place- that's just not good enough.
(Photo: Oliver Peel (Flickr))
LCD SOUNDSYSTEM (London Hyde Park, 03/07/10)
LCD Soundsystem- losing their edge? Well, not quite, but this certainly wasn't a vintage performance. The pre-sunset start time had a hugely detrimental effect on the atmosphere, the drums and vocals were way too low and James Murphy suffered from an acute case of WayneCoyneitus, in that he was clinically unable to SHUT UP AND PLAY THE SONGS. Plus, the number of grade-A fucktards in the crowd was ridiculous beyond measure. Oh well, you can't win them all. On the plus side, DJ Shadow was brilliant (best projections ever!), and really enjoyed Jamie Liddell- always forget how entertaining his shows are.
(Photo: jamestmouse (Flickr))
LCD Soundsystem- losing their edge? Well, not quite, but this certainly wasn't a vintage performance. The pre-sunset start time had a hugely detrimental effect on the atmosphere, the drums and vocals were way too low and James Murphy suffered from an acute case of WayneCoyneitus, in that he was clinically unable to SHUT UP AND PLAY THE SONGS. Plus, the number of grade-A fucktards in the crowd was ridiculous beyond measure. Oh well, you can't win them all. On the plus side, DJ Shadow was brilliant (best projections ever!), and really enjoyed Jamie Liddell- always forget how entertaining his shows are.
(Photo: jamestmouse (Flickr))
JANELLE MONAE (London Hoxton Bar & Kitchen, 01/07/10)
Despite having the gall to try charging £50(!) for a meet-and-greet despite having released sweet FA in this country, it's difficult to hate someone as downright amazing as Janelle Monae. If you've seen her Letterman performance, you'll know why; if you haven't, check it out RIGHT NOW. Ultra-stylish, amazing vocals and dance moves so smooth, the late, lamented MJ would have been proud. Once Tightrope's given a proper release, she's going to be huge.
(Photo: Lorne Thomson (Flickr))
Despite having the gall to try charging £50(!) for a meet-and-greet despite having released sweet FA in this country, it's difficult to hate someone as downright amazing as Janelle Monae. If you've seen her Letterman performance, you'll know why; if you haven't, check it out RIGHT NOW. Ultra-stylish, amazing vocals and dance moves so smooth, the late, lamented MJ would have been proud. Once Tightrope's given a proper release, she's going to be huge.
(Photo: Lorne Thomson (Flickr))
BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE (London Forum, 30/06/10)
Well, that was the most enjoyable show I've ever seen at Forum, Ruiner of Gigs. True, it was give or take a couple of songs almost identical to their Heaven performance, but the sound was better and the band seemed more energised. Shame they didn't find room for Anthems, Ibi Dreams of Pavement or Major Label Debut, but hey, you can't have everything.
(Photo: John Gleeson)
Well, that was the most enjoyable show I've ever seen at Forum, Ruiner of Gigs. True, it was give or take a couple of songs almost identical to their Heaven performance, but the sound was better and the band seemed more energised. Shame they didn't find room for Anthems, Ibi Dreams of Pavement or Major Label Debut, but hey, you can't have everything.
(Photo: John Gleeson)
DIRTY PROJECTORS (London Barbican, 25/06/10)
I had my suspicions beforehand I'd admire Dirty Projectors' orchestra-backed rendition of “The Getty Address” (an avant-garde concept album about Don Henley) more than I'd actually enjoy it, and in truth, that's kind of how it panned out. There's numerous moments of individual beauty, but as a whole work, it's too difficult/pretentious for my tastes. Much more engaging was their second, “Bitte Orca”-centric set, which overlaid their sharp, brilliant harmonies and intricate guitar-work on a more accessible pop-orientated framework.
(Photo: Anika Mottershaw)
I had my suspicions beforehand I'd admire Dirty Projectors' orchestra-backed rendition of “The Getty Address” (an avant-garde concept album about Don Henley) more than I'd actually enjoy it, and in truth, that's kind of how it panned out. There's numerous moments of individual beauty, but as a whole work, it's too difficult/pretentious for my tastes. Much more engaging was their second, “Bitte Orca”-centric set, which overlaid their sharp, brilliant harmonies and intricate guitar-work on a more accessible pop-orientated framework.
(Photo: Anika Mottershaw)
Friday, June 18, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
MENOMENA (London Hoxton Bar & Kitchen, 07/06/10)
Ah, it's good to have them back. Despite rumours that this show would showcase only new material, the recently-expanded Portland quartet found room for a number of “Friend and Foe” classics as well as a slew of fantastic-sounding songs from the upcoming LP “Mines.” The addition of a new member really beefs up their sound, overcoming the inevitable limitations that came of reproducing such densely-arranged tracks with only three instruments, and even after only two days of practice, they sounded better than ever.
(Photo: John Gleeson)
Ah, it's good to have them back. Despite rumours that this show would showcase only new material, the recently-expanded Portland quartet found room for a number of “Friend and Foe” classics as well as a slew of fantastic-sounding songs from the upcoming LP “Mines.” The addition of a new member really beefs up their sound, overcoming the inevitable limitations that came of reproducing such densely-arranged tracks with only three instruments, and even after only two days of practice, they sounded better than ever.
(Photo: John Gleeson)
Friday, June 04, 2010
PRIMAVERA SOUND FESTIVAL (Parc del Forum Festival, Barcelona, 27/05/10-30/05/10)
(Photo: Stinker (Flickr))
If All Tomorrow’s Parties is Hoxton-on-Holiday, then Primavera is ATP Goes Abroad. The number of familiar faces around Barcelona became slightly disturbing after a while- it’s like being in one of those Eastenders specials where they transport all the regulars to Benidorm, only with a higher quota of plaid. If truth be told, the line-up wasn’t nearly as strong as last year; whilst there were great sets a-plenty, nothing stood out as truly memorable, especially when compared to Ponytail and MBV in '09. But then again, I had much more fun this time round- more booze, more friends and a hell of a lot less stress- so hooray for that.
Anyway, reviews and suchlike:
9/10
Titus Andronicus- I was on the same plane as them! I was very excited by this! Also, their performance was brilliant- not quite as epic as the CAMP show, but the moshing at the front was commendably ferocious.
Owen Pallett- Almost flawless. Premiered an amazing cover of Caribou’s “Odessa,” and “Lewis Takes Off His Shirt“ never fails to send shivers down my spine..
Matt & Kim- Simple, infectious synth pop delivered with boundless enthusiasm. The most joyous set of Primavera.
Japandroids- After thinking they were shit at Pitchfork last year, these guys really impressed me in Barcelona. Such a dynamic, vital performance.
CocoRosie- Not as revelatory as their ATP show, but still a wonderfully original and eccentric band. Beatbox/harp combos should be utilised more regularly.
8/10
Monotonix- Not *quite* as chaotic as their club shows, but the requisite drum-surfing/general insanity remained thankfully intact.
Liquid Liquid- Laid down the funk in sufficient quantities. Many crimes against dancing were committed.
Shellac- Playing an ATP-curated event?! NO FUCKING WAY. Still, it’s easy to forget what a rockin’ live band they are.
Pixies- Quite far back for this so felt somewhat detached, but getting to hear “Debaser” live was wonderful.
The Books- A more experimental Avalanches, complete with some fucking surreal videos. Not really a “live act” as such, but certainly the most intriguing discovery of the weekend.
Pet Shop Boys- Watching thousands of indie kids singing along to Go West: one of the most memorable moments of the festival.
Broken Social Scene- Lacked the overall brilliance of their Heaven gig, but KC Accidental->It’s All Going To Break (w/ Owen Pallett)-> Meet Me In The Basement? Uh, yes please.
Ui- Tortoise minus the glockenspiels.
Mission Of Burma- Better than Pavement.
Low- Beautiful set, worth the hassle of getting into the Auditori.
7/10
The Fall- Decrepit old man slurs incoherently; actually better than I thought it’d be.
Superchunk- Energetic, fun, if not really my bag.
Polvo- Suitably loud, and more engaging than Grizzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzly Bear, who they clashed with.
Yeasayer- Good fun, although sound was dreadful further back. “Invite us back Barcelona- you’re much better than the UK” comment resulted in sadface.
6/10
Pavement- Crossed the entertainingly ramshackle/genuinely slipshod line too often for my liking. A rather phoned-in performance.
A Sunny Day In Glasgow- I can’t remember much about ASDIG, except I enjoyed their performance and some of their members were pretty attractive…
Nana Grizol- Very Jeff Lewis-y. ‘Twas alright.
Cohete- Think a Spanish Reel Big Fish. Make of that what you will.
5/10
Grizzly Bear- Pretty dull. Don’t think they’re really meant for festivals.
Wilco- An anaemic, middle-of-the-road set from a band I know can do much better. Hugely disappointing.
Surfer Blood- Generic zeitgeist band number 1
Ganglians- Generic zeitgeist band number 2
Thee Oh Sees- Generic zeitgeist band number 3
4/10
Van Dyke Parks- Really depressing to watch VDP peddle such dreadful, sub-Randy Newman balladry. Cringeworthy tweeness worthy of a cruise-ship entertainer, not one of the most legendary arrangers in modern musical history.
LOL/10
Marc Almond- I was genuinely creased up in laughter for much of what I saw of the Soft Cell frontman’s solo set; literally the campest thing I’ve ever seen. That said, there’s no denying “Tainted Love”…
(Photos, unless otherwise stated: Nathan Wind (Flickr))
(Photo: Stinker (Flickr))
If All Tomorrow’s Parties is Hoxton-on-Holiday, then Primavera is ATP Goes Abroad. The number of familiar faces around Barcelona became slightly disturbing after a while- it’s like being in one of those Eastenders specials where they transport all the regulars to Benidorm, only with a higher quota of plaid. If truth be told, the line-up wasn’t nearly as strong as last year; whilst there were great sets a-plenty, nothing stood out as truly memorable, especially when compared to Ponytail and MBV in '09. But then again, I had much more fun this time round- more booze, more friends and a hell of a lot less stress- so hooray for that.
Anyway, reviews and suchlike:
9/10
Titus Andronicus- I was on the same plane as them! I was very excited by this! Also, their performance was brilliant- not quite as epic as the CAMP show, but the moshing at the front was commendably ferocious.
Owen Pallett- Almost flawless. Premiered an amazing cover of Caribou’s “Odessa,” and “Lewis Takes Off His Shirt“ never fails to send shivers down my spine..
Matt & Kim- Simple, infectious synth pop delivered with boundless enthusiasm. The most joyous set of Primavera.
Japandroids- After thinking they were shit at Pitchfork last year, these guys really impressed me in Barcelona. Such a dynamic, vital performance.
CocoRosie- Not as revelatory as their ATP show, but still a wonderfully original and eccentric band. Beatbox/harp combos should be utilised more regularly.
8/10
Monotonix- Not *quite* as chaotic as their club shows, but the requisite drum-surfing/general insanity remained thankfully intact.
Liquid Liquid- Laid down the funk in sufficient quantities. Many crimes against dancing were committed.
Shellac- Playing an ATP-curated event?! NO FUCKING WAY. Still, it’s easy to forget what a rockin’ live band they are.
Pixies- Quite far back for this so felt somewhat detached, but getting to hear “Debaser” live was wonderful.
The Books- A more experimental Avalanches, complete with some fucking surreal videos. Not really a “live act” as such, but certainly the most intriguing discovery of the weekend.
Pet Shop Boys- Watching thousands of indie kids singing along to Go West: one of the most memorable moments of the festival.
Broken Social Scene- Lacked the overall brilliance of their Heaven gig, but KC Accidental->It’s All Going To Break (w/ Owen Pallett)-> Meet Me In The Basement? Uh, yes please.
Ui- Tortoise minus the glockenspiels.
Mission Of Burma- Better than Pavement.
Low- Beautiful set, worth the hassle of getting into the Auditori.
7/10
The Fall- Decrepit old man slurs incoherently; actually better than I thought it’d be.
Superchunk- Energetic, fun, if not really my bag.
Polvo- Suitably loud, and more engaging than Grizzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzly Bear, who they clashed with.
Yeasayer- Good fun, although sound was dreadful further back. “Invite us back Barcelona- you’re much better than the UK” comment resulted in sadface.
6/10
Pavement- Crossed the entertainingly ramshackle/genuinely slipshod line too often for my liking. A rather phoned-in performance.
A Sunny Day In Glasgow- I can’t remember much about ASDIG, except I enjoyed their performance and some of their members were pretty attractive…
Nana Grizol- Very Jeff Lewis-y. ‘Twas alright.
Cohete- Think a Spanish Reel Big Fish. Make of that what you will.
5/10
Grizzly Bear- Pretty dull. Don’t think they’re really meant for festivals.
Wilco- An anaemic, middle-of-the-road set from a band I know can do much better. Hugely disappointing.
Surfer Blood- Generic zeitgeist band number 1
Ganglians- Generic zeitgeist band number 2
Thee Oh Sees- Generic zeitgeist band number 3
4/10
Van Dyke Parks- Really depressing to watch VDP peddle such dreadful, sub-Randy Newman balladry. Cringeworthy tweeness worthy of a cruise-ship entertainer, not one of the most legendary arrangers in modern musical history.
LOL/10
Marc Almond- I was genuinely creased up in laughter for much of what I saw of the Soft Cell frontman’s solo set; literally the campest thing I’ve ever seen. That said, there’s no denying “Tainted Love”…
(Photos, unless otherwise stated: Nathan Wind (Flickr))
TITUS ANDRONICUS (London CAMP Basement, 25/05/10)
FUUUUUUUCK YEEEEEEEEEEAH! Who cares if Patrick Stickles never quite achieves anything that could be truly described as “singing“, or that every song seems to descend into a Pogues-y knees-up, or that the total amount of subtlety on show is negligible at best. The fact is, this is the most goddamn enjoyable show I’ve been to Dan Deacon last year- the energy levels displayed by the audience and band unlike anything else I’ve seen this year. The sheer insanity of “Fear and Loathing…” almost killed me, and Battle Hymn of the Republic-> Titus Andronicus Forever-> Four Score And Seven pretty much finished the job. Gig of the year much?
(Photo: Chimpomatic (Flickr))
FUUUUUUUCK YEEEEEEEEEEAH! Who cares if Patrick Stickles never quite achieves anything that could be truly described as “singing“, or that every song seems to descend into a Pogues-y knees-up, or that the total amount of subtlety on show is negligible at best. The fact is, this is the most goddamn enjoyable show I’ve been to Dan Deacon last year- the energy levels displayed by the audience and band unlike anything else I’ve seen this year. The sheer insanity of “Fear and Loathing…” almost killed me, and Battle Hymn of the Republic-> Titus Andronicus Forever-> Four Score And Seven pretty much finished the job. Gig of the year much?
(Photo: Chimpomatic (Flickr))
HOLY FUCK (London Heaven, 24/05/10)
Too muted for the most part, but Canada’s premier purveyors of indielectronic bliss belatedly pulled themselves together to deliver the supreme adrenalin rush of Stilettos -> Lovely Allen -> The Pulse. HOLY FUCK! indeed...
(Photo: AnotherHowie (Flickr))
Too muted for the most part, but Canada’s premier purveyors of indielectronic bliss belatedly pulled themselves together to deliver the supreme adrenalin rush of Stilettos -> Lovely Allen -> The Pulse. HOLY FUCK! indeed...
(Photo: AnotherHowie (Flickr))
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