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