|
|
 |
Oregan based quintet The Decemberists are practically unknown in Europe.
Despite causing a buzz in US indie circles, appearing on the itchingly
trendy Kill Rock Stars label, they have not secured a record deal
in the UK - their short British tour is to promote the re-release
of their last album, Her Majesty.
Its
a shame, as their brand of folk is so infectious and ornamental
that it feels the need to be hung up on the mantelpiece for all
to see. They do not sound quite from this era, and are also, invariably,
quite goofy and nerdy lookin'.
The Decemberists take much from Celtic mythology and are hapless
Anglophiles; wrapping their own experiences around surreal yarns
about chimney sweeps, Billy Liar and sea-shanties. Their musical
accompaniment suits the subject matter - the band are joined on
stage by a huge stand up base and a lady playing an accordion, like
she had jumped out of a cockney fable.
Despite
the low turn out at the gig, the band seem amazed that anyone came
at all; not least at the amount of people singing along. In fact
the low turn out gives the event a lounge, relaxed atmosphere and,
behold, we can actually see the band from a couple of meters away
- a rare treat in claustrophobic Academy 3.
A group of 16 year old girls, barely old enough to have finished
their GCSEs, chain smoke, sing and stare at the band from the corner.
The band stares back, quite chirped that school kids from such a
far away place have taken the time and effort to come out to see
them.
And
its worth it to. The Decemberists gesticulate and mess about through
the set; but not to the detriment to any of their songs - the set
is tidy and sticks to some of their most recognisably hummable numbers.
And there are many - despite its folk and country origins, the pianos
and the huge base, most of the songs are barnhouse stompers that
in the right atmosphere should have people dancing.
Those who knew their songs whistled and tapped as much as they could,
but the audiences obvious lack of familiarity with some of their
material lead to one embarrassing moment where the band, obviously
used to pausing for the crowd to sing, accidentally left a huge
silence in the middle of 'Los Angeles I'm Yours'. Woops. Thankfully,
they were applauded anyway.
Despite
the gaffe, the Decemberists are hugely entertaining - their quirky
old fashioned tales spreading smiles across the small assembled
crowd. They are an example of a genre which has more obvious roots
in the States but is beginning to grow in popularity here, especially
with the presence of My Morning Jacket and Sons and Daughters.
Hopefully more of indie going public will find time to appreciate
them - until then they will remain a deftly polished gem hidden
in the concrete ramble of Dale End. In my heart, at least.
Written
by David Deans
Be a reviewer
Want to combine going to gigs with being a published writer?
Fill in the easy
form »
|
