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Date -
27/10/06 |
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| Readers' score - None |
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| The last time I sat down to watch a gig, I was nine. It was Robert Cray, and I found it really quite dull. Tonight was always going to be a different proposition entirely. This time it was Sparklehorse, one of my favourite bands of all time. And while I must admit I would have preferred the chance to see them in a slightly different venue, I was grateful for the opportunity all the same, and believed it would give them a real opportunity to do something quite interesting. |
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As the band walked out to almost polite applause and the odd cheer, Mark Linkous sidled up to the microphone and mumbled an uncomfortable “thank you”. He and his band then went on to perform a thoroughly bland version of ‘Return To Me’. It was far from what I was expecting. Nobody moved, for one thing. Aside from the drummer’s arms and Mark’s lips, every other body part on stage seemed to be under strict orders to remain frozen at all times. More importantly, the noises made by the small movements were entirely hollow. A song which on record sounds incredibly intimate and personal lost all its grandeur with an absolute lack of passion.
Sadly, hopes that this would be a strange blip in an otherwise perfect set were quashed, as song after song was performed without any conviction. Every word lacked purpose, reducing Linkous’s brilliant, touching odes to nothing more than hopelessly bland MOR material. In short, the band didn’t look like they wanted to be there, be it because of a long tour or merely a complete boredom with playing live altogether.
There was the occasional glimpse of the band’s glory. 'Hammering The Cramps', in particular, was simply too strong to ruin, however hard the band seemed to be trying. Even then, though, the venue restricted the crowd from any real enjoyment. Sitting high above Mark and his backing group made the whole experience like watching the band on TV.
After the band had walked off stage and back on again with apparent weariness, they proceeded to play 'Pig', a song which should really sound absolutely immense live. Instead, it whimpered along. It was almost too much to bear at times.
Frankly, if this is the best Sparklehorse as a live entity can come up with, I’d far rather Mark quit touring altogether and just stuck to making wonderful albums. It’s quite clear he’s much happier doing so and playing live doesn’t seem to be something that comes naturally. Buy as much Sparklehorse material as you can. But steer clear of the live show. |
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| David Tandy |
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