Fontaines D.C. @O2 Forum Kentish Town - November 27, 2019

review to come...

Setlist:
Hurricane Laughter
Chequeless Reckless
Televised Mind
Sha Sha Sha

Lucid Dream

Television Screens
The Lotts
Roy's Tune
Too Real

Liberty Belle

Boys in the Better Land
Dublin City Sky
Big

The Mountain Goats @ O2 Shepherds Bush Empire - November 15, 2019

My first time seeing the Mountain Goats. I grabbed tickets as soon as they were available as I've been wanting to see them for a couple of years now. I'd heard the name for yonks, and assumed they were some folksy hipster shit (given the animal name), but then I learned about Laura Jane Grace's obsession with them, and finally gave them a listen. And of course: "wow!"

For some reason this date had a bunch of great concerts in London. It really hurt to turn them down, particularly the Sleaford Mods/Viagra Boys/Stewart Lee show (!!!), but I could not pass up seeing John Darnielle et al live after falling in love with his astounding lyrics and songwriting.

I went with Steve, who has come to like some Mountain Goat songs from the amount I play certain songs at home on drinking/hanging out/cooking nights. Since I knew it would be a tame, mostly quiet night, I didn't feel I could ask him to go too early, as we were standing and the openers were very chill as well (I had a quick listen). It's a good thing too. The first 3/4 of the show was very mellow. I'd never before heard drinks being ordered and made during a headliner's set.

It was great to listen to so many new songs I wasn't much, or at all, familiar with, as Darnielle is a winning performer. He had a story for most of the songs as he introduced them, and it was clear that this was natural one-off banter, not word-for-word rehashed stories. He told a funny anecdote about a friend seeing Leonard Cohen and loving his stories so much that she went back a 2nd night, and heard the exact same stories again. Not surprising, but it's clear that being authentic is deeply important to Darnielle.

As I listen to the Mountain Goats mostly on spotify and just let them go, several songs were familiar but not their names (fortunately someone else figured out the exact play list), but I was really happy to hear some of my favourites: Dance Music, Wear Black, Waylon Jennings Live!, Younger, Up the Wolves and This Year. But the highlight for me was getting to hear No Children live. The feeling was universal among the audience as it was one big shout-along. Tremendous! I captured one minute on video, not being able to help myself capturing my favourite verse, although I now understand that Darnielle is no fan of mobile phones at shows. I've already rewatched it about 5 times, so I'm afraid I can't say I regret it!

Setlist:
Estate Sale Sign
No More Tears
Hebrews 11:40
Heretic Pride
Younger
Goblin Wizard in the Crawlspace of my Heart
Transcendental Youth
We Shall All Be Healed

(John solo:)
Dance Music
Waco
Matthew 25:21

(Matt Returns:)
Wear Black

Waylon Jennings Live!

Magpie

(openers Laura Cortese & The Dance Cards joins:)
Tianchi Lake
Doc Gooden
Cadaver Sniffing Dog
Up the Wolves

Encore:
Possum by Night
You or Your Memory
No Children
This Year

LIFE @ Moth Club - November 6, 2019

w/Italia 90

My first time at the tiny Moth Club in Hackney, even though I was thinking of going before now (should have dragged my butt out to Cabbage in April!).

Caught most of the opener's, Italia 90, set. Originally from Brighton, but now living in south London, they have an interesting early punk sound. I'd checked out a couple songs ahead of the show and was glad to hear them live. The singer had a predatory, prowling skinhead look, but without much feedback from the crowd, didn't give us much energy back. Definitely a band to watch as their sound is right up my alley, and a good fit for LIFE.

This was my 3rd time seeing LIFE, and the first as headliners. (Saw them open for Slaves and then Idles). I've liked them from before that 1st show, checking out opening bands as I like to, and being really impressed. Also love wearing my long-sleeve Popular Music shirt to shows, which endears them to me.

I think this is the first time I've seen their new female bassist, Lydia, who bops from side to side making faces, and fits in well with  their offbeat, kinetic performances. Singer, Mez, is as mesmerising to watch as ever, channeling a young David Byrne with original off kilter moves and detached but demented expressions.

I'm very relieved by the new album they're supporting, A Picture of Good Health. It's lost none of their energy and drive, and moves their sound forward in a direction that totally works for me. I like a few new bands whose 2nd and 3rd albums I'm nervous about, but these guys haven't let me down one whit. Having said that, I was chuffed that they closed with Popular Music, that chugging and droning ironic masterpiece.

Love them live, and will definitely see them again.

Setlist:
Excites Me
Good Health
In Your hands
Half Pint Fatherhood
Never Love Again
Grown Up
It's a Con
Euromillions
Don't Give Up Yet
Hollow Thing
Bum Hour
Ba Ba Ba
Moral Fibre
Popular Music