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Okkervil River + Lawrence Arabia, Subaudible Hum, Aviator Lane Jade Monkey, Thurs 8 Dec  Imagine
my disappointment when I arrived at The Jade Monkey to see that Deloris'
name was not among the acts listed on the board outside. Unfortunately
it turned out that singer Marcus Teague had fallen ill and the band
had returned to Melbourne after travelling half way to Adelaide; the
silver lining being that Aviator Lane had filled the spot. A crowd had gathered early to the Jade, which was filled to capacity. It's no small testament to Okkervil River's reputation that this was also the scene of the biggest gathering of dB contributors since The Mountain Goats played. Lawrence Arabia of The Brunettes played a solo set that was relatively well received, although his vocals seemed a bit out of place at times. Subaudible Hum followed with a set that seemed to make a good impression on most of the audience. The four-piece from Melbourne looked a bit like they sounded: all over the place, but in a most interesting way. One song would have a touch of funk to it, while the next would be quirky and angular. Aviator Lane, AKA Michael Radzevicius, came up next to demonstrate his songwriting prowess and vocal skill. Carefully arpeggiated guitars accompanied some of the best vocals I've heard from a local artist in a while. But the night belonged to Okkervil River. Lawrence Arabia came out again to play bass for the band, which was reduced to its core of Travis Nelsen on drums, Jonathan Meiburg on keyboard and accordion, backing ringleader Will Sheff. Highlights included So Come Back, I Am Waiting, and the conclusion of the main set on Okkervil River Song, including a rush onstage of Subaudible Hum to supply backing vocals. Sheff returned soon after for an encore set that included Red from 'Don't Fall In Love With Everyone You See'. I may have been expecting far too much, but somehow there didn't seem to be that magic I was hoping for. Sheff's interaction with the audience was quite limited, with only the odd bit of banter about dead kangaroos. Sonically though, I got exactly what I came for: dynamic, inventive music with Sheff's exuberant vocals backing it up.  |
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