After reading a rather gushing review of Quixote (formerly Rebel Jane) and listening to the bands Myspace, we jumped at the chance to toddle down to the wonderful Bush Hall to see the band play what they had assured me was their most important venue to date. Although a difficult set, beset by some minor sound problems and tables around the sides full of chattering people (at least to start with), the band proved themselves a very strong live act, with a set full of songs that deserve a wider audience.
Walking into a room full of sitting people, happily chatting away and drinking is never likely to be easy-such is the travails of the unsigned band- but the four piece succeeded in grabbing the attention of the hoards quickly, with opener ‘Alibi’ and it’s brooding drums and the falsetto chorus of I want your face/ On all my lovers!/ I want your name/ Bandied around like all the others. It’s a mighty opener, a scene-setter.
Moving swiftly through their repertoire, lead singer Cameron keeps the in-between song banter to a minimum; probably a good thing in a venue where 80% of the audience don’t know who you are. If anything he looks a little uncomfortable- he keeps looking at the soundman- and most happy during songs like ’Whiskey Fists’ where he can stretch his voice, and the awesome ‘Innocence is Bliss’ which is truly a single in waiting, and reminiscent of a more soulful, less intergalactic Muse. It even goes a bit dance-y in the middle, fuelled by some furious keyboard bashing by Danny Conroy. We like this.
The band also chuck in a couple of well judged covers, both of which seem to seem to display the band’s dichotomy. One of them- ‘Hoist That Rag’ by Tom Waits- is very possibly the song of the night, with it’s harder, edgier, all round dirtier direction. The other- ‘Angel’ by Massive Attack- which they end on, suits them down to the ground. It is heavily atmospheric, bass-heavy , and allows Cameron another chance to showcase that voice. Personally I prefer the dirtier side of the coin (they look like they do too) ,but it bodes well for them that they can have a live show that touches on different styles.
Either way a very good gig, in somewhat difficult circumstances. Check them out, innit?
Posted In Live Reviews, Jan 30 2009.
Words - David