Although, I have known the album cover of 'In the Aeroplane over the Sea' for many years, from the bargain bins, I only brought it for I guess £5 a couple of years ago. The early tales of Nineties first love, angst and wild landscape sonic guitars passed be by at the time but, I can appreciate them now in a cinematic way, where you go to watch a movie about a past time at the Picture House I guess. I then discovered ‘On Avery Island’ and both records are regulars on any road trips.
The Union Chapel was a warm place tonight with the heaters blazing and the place pretty much full by the time The Music Tapes took to the stage. Julian Koster like Jeff, an erstwhile member of Netural Milk Hotel is the front man of tonight’s 3 piece (Laura Carter appeared with the band during Jeff’s set).
The band are a whirlwind of sound and visual attention grabbing impact along the lines of say, a Devotchka or A Hawk & A Hacksaw. Eastern European stories and sounds predominate. Julian’s favourite instruments seem to be a Banjo played with a bow and a Saw, again played with a bow. Great fun but any commercial success must be limited.
Jeff was on stage just aster 9pm and the previous night’s highlight of ‘Oh Comely’, tonight, started the set. Jeff has an extremely strong voice as well as the ability to hold a note at volume for some considerable time.
Surrounded by four guitars and reasonable communication with the audience. Jeff definitely loves the venue. He says something along the lines of ‘this being like home and inviting his friends around to listen to some songs’.
In some respect’s this felt more like a recital than a gig and Jeff himself (for those unfamiliar with his work), more Cobain than Ryan Adams. There was a raw nakedness to the songs that was powerful, bleak, warming and sublime in equal measure.
The audience I think expected a short set and with Music tapes joining Jeff for the latter part of the set it all reached a climax with the final songs. After the first encore, the crowd were determined to get a smiling Jeff back for one more and, a fragile rendition of Daniel Johnston’s ‘True Love Will Find You in the End’ was our reward.
All night long the Chapel staffs were scurrying around asking/telling people to stop taking photos or to switch off their mobile phones. This is all ‘Catch
Pete
1.Oh Comely
2.
3.Gardenhead / Leave Me Alone
4.A Baby for Pree / Glow Into You
5.Little Birds
6.The King of Carrot Flowers Pt. 1
7.The King of Carrot Flowers Pts. 2 & 3
8.Two-Headed Boy
9.Engine Play
10.Ghost Play
11.Naomi Play
12.April 8th Play
13.Two-Headed Boy
14.The Fool
Encore:
15.In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
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