The Young Knives, The Grates

I don't know what it is but every time I go to the Astoria I see Northern lads with a debut album and lashings of banter. First the 22-20s (disappointing, less banter), then the Futureheads (excellent), now the Young Knives (as good with more texture to their sound, more room to grow and a science nerd bassist callled the House of Lords).

It was awesome. Support came from Australian trio The Grates, with lead singer Patience Hodgson - a rough-around-edges KarenO-a-like - pogoing across the stage, howling like a dog, smothering boys in her white tulle skirt and swirling a yellow ribbon. While still managing to belt out promising stuff. A suitable warm-up for The Young Knives who were spectacular, opening with cracker Part Timer. I may have been a bit delirious with fever, but with all the Strokes and Pixies influences, the throbbing mosh pit and the charged performances (a big night for both bands) it was enough to get a bit carried away on.





Venue: Astoria
Band websites: The Young Knives, The Grates
Myspace: The Young Knives (myspace), The Grates (myspace)
Pitchfork reviews:
Voices of Animals and Men (The Young Knives)
Gravity Won't Get You High (The Grates)

Sparklehorse

The Queen Elizabeth Hall is the best place for big, artistic personalities. The last one I saw here was Regina Spektor and before that Kiki (and Herb). Tonight Mark Linkous was in tweed, looking more together than at any gigs I've been to before (a few). The stage was gorgeous, theatrical in a high school play kind of way and loaded with instruments in wooden cases. Flowers on the mike stand. Two encores for the hungry crowd, who were more than satisfied by this exceptional outing. Beauties like Spirit Ditch, Homecoming Queen, Sad & Beautiful World and Gold Day nuzzled up to Hammering the Cramps, Dog Door and new tracks which threatened to splinter the floorboards. Some great female vocals from a willowy figure in the lineup (introduced with pride as his new rock band) and a sharper focus to the always beautiful melancholia - like Linkous has grabbed you by the balls and might even look you in the eye. A treat.



Venue: Queen Elizabeth Hall
Band website: Sparklehorse
Myspace: Sparklehorse (myspace)
Pitchfork review: Dreamt for Light Years in the Belly of a Mountain

Camera Obscura

I love Camera Obscura but this was disappointing. A severe lack of stage presence. And it was a small venue, it should have been perfect for them. Sweet and humble is fine and nice boys and girls, but you can do better than that! The songs deserve it. PLEASE TRY HARDER. Razzle Dazzle Rose was a total exception with a swelling coda and heart-stirring brass, proving there's a big future for them in performance if they want it. Country Mile good, although nothing like as goosebumpy as it could be. Sensed nerves. Hope to bring a better report next time.





Band: Camera Obscura, Myspace (Camera Obscura)
Venue: Scala
Pitchfork review: Let's Get Out of This Country