Easy Music for Difficult Ears

I was somewhat elated last night – too elated in fact to get myself to write this blog. The reason for this is I went to London on Thursday night to catch Electrelane in Koko down on Camden Street (I normally hate Camden, but this was one of those things I had to do).
It’s a nice spot, very much like the Olympia and twas well cosy. With tickets at £15.50, it wasn’t that bad of a dent in my pocket (compare that to price of tickets in lovely Ireland…)

Anni Rossi opened the show at 8pm and for 20 minutes I was spellbound as she displayed some the most imaginative use of a viola that I have ever seen (and heard for that matter). Not only does she play the instrument as you would normally, but also strums and plucks the instrument like a banjo on occasion. It was a stunning sight and I would definitely pay to see her again.
Next on were Yeasayer who have to be one of the most awful bands I’ve ever seen – I swear it was like a poor man’s Yes trying to do New Order or some such. The less said the better!!

At about 9.40pm Electrelane emerged to rapturous applause, especially as it is the last time most of us will ever see them (this is their second last show as their going on “indefinite hiatus”).
I didn’t go to Electric Picnic (I really don’t like festivals) so I didn’t catch them before I left Ireland, but to be honest I prefer to have seen them here in a much more intimate venue.
It was a truly powerful performance that left me short of breath, exhilarated and bruised (literally – metal crowd y’see). It’s a long time since I’ve been so totally blown away at a gig and the first time in a long time that I’ve left a show really feeling good about music.

As far as I can ascertain (see also remember) their set-list included:
from “Rock it to the Moon”
Long Dark
Blue Straggler
Gabriel
UOR

from “The Power Out”
Gone Under Sea
On Parade

from “Axes”
Bells
Two for Joy
If Not Now, When?
Those Pockets Are People
The Partisan

from “No Shouts, No Calls”
The Greater Times
To the East
In Berlin
At Sea
Between the Wolf and the Dog (btw – I actually don’t like the album version, but live it was fucking stunning!!!)
Five

Anyhoo I spoke to drummer, Emma Gaze, briefly after the show in the foyer (she was delightful by the way – I know how difficult it can be to chat after a show, especially a big one) and bought myself a couple of 7 inches (“In Berlin” and “Two For Joy”) – unfortunately like all vinyl, I won’t get a listen til I get home in a couple of weeks.
(Oh and Mia Clarke is as lovely up close as she is in pictures…)

On a side note, today is Saturday December 1st, it means (of course) that 2007 is in its final weeks, Christmas is coming and that I’m 26 next week(ish). For some reason, I’m always geared by the 1st of December – it just makes me feel giddy.
My first gig since August is in a few weeks (December 21st in the Boom Boom Room, Dublin), so I’m still rehearsing like mad in between doing projects for college, but I’m looking forward to it.
Admittedly, I’m somewhat disappointed that I still haven’t played over hear yet, but it’s something I’m looking to solve next year. Also I should have new material up soon.

Lastly, I’m currently listening to the incredibly creepy “Doctor Who and the Wheel in Space, Episode 1″ (don’t ask, long story) – it is, well, creepy…

Sweet beans!!

Leigh

http://www.myspace.com/electrelane (Electrelane MySpace)
http://www.myspace.com/lpxireland (LPX MySpace)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/classic/photonovels/wheelinspace/ (Doctor Who – “Wheel in Space” photonovel)