Metric - Shepherd's Bush Empire 02/07/12

'It's gonna be intense', Emily Haines stopped to inform us amid an impressive set showcasing Metric's most recent venture entitled Synthetica. Expectations hadn't been left particularly high after the release of Youth Without Youth earlier this year, yet lo and behold! The band's new record excelled itself live. Any other band would have been taking a risk with explosive visuals, but with Metric the lighting only signified their gasping need for a larger venue.

The set saw a sequential journey through the most Synthetica's tracklist demonstrating its almost flawless composition. Old favourites were thrown in following this, by which point the whole of the theatre were up on their feet. The gig proved an emotional event for the band, London being the birthplace of Haines' solo work, Grow Up And Blow Away and of course band member Jimmy Shaw. The band did a lot to engage with the crowd, and, ending with an acoustic version of 'Gimme Sympathy', previously performed for the queen, the band left us wishing we were Canadian.

Highlights of the new album include 'Artificial Nocturne', 'Speed the Collapse' and 'The Void'.

Serafina Steer

Back in the start of June, which seems three summers ago now, I attended No Direction Home Festival. As well as seeing acts I had heard plenty from prior to the weekend I was keen to experience something new. When reading the programme Serafina Steer jumped out at me due to the impressive list of artists she has worked with from Jarvis Cocker to Bat For Lashes. The programme blurb suggested she was a ‘semi-experimental harp-based’ singer-songwriter, so how could I turn down an opportunity to see her in action?

Playing in the big-top tent, labelled the ‘Electric Dustbowl’, Serafina Steer appeared elfin like in a long dress which would have camouflaged her in autumnal foliage. The story-telling nature of some of her songs worked well with the small crowd, however whenever I got submerged into a song she forgot the lyrics or perhaps just became flustered which led to a lot of stopping and starting.

What I did hear was very engaging and I imagine in a concert hall, or a similar setting a set from Serafina Steer could be quite moving. Her 2010 album Change is Good is well produced and makes for easy, evening listening. What consistently draws me into Change is Good is the blend of classical harp, with imaginative lyrics and spoken word but also, a singing style which ranges from the powerful and experimental to that of a gentle woodland creature. She is set to release a new album ‘The Moths are Real’ inspired by her all-girl house share and their experiences with coats and pests on Stolen Recordings later this year.  

I expect a steady improvement in Serafina Steer's live perfomances, but expect she has stiff (and I assume constant) comparisons, as I heard one man answering his child ‘No son, that isn’t Joanna Newsom’.

Check out this video to 'Tiger' below animated by her brother Sam Steer and the website for more music, videos and news.

Yuck – Camden Bar Fly

Camden Barfly was the perfect intimate venue for two outstanding bands of 2011. As opening support band Unknown Mortal Orchestra start their set, the floor was beginning to fill (and on those who regularly sacrifice the first hour in order to arrive for the headline, I take pity in this case). The 3-piece New Zealanders commence with an extended drum beat by the young Julien Enrlich; simultaneously piquing anticipation in the audience whilst the rest of the band scatter amongst the stage adjusting mics and levels. Once all fine-tuned guitarist and singer Ruban Neilson entered with fast and energetic riffs, they were beautifully accompanied by droning bass lines and harmonic backing vocals by Jake Portrait. Many of their songs echo the 60s psychedelia era but with a funky blend. To have such an refreshing opening act segue into Yuck was a true treat.

Yuck tied up their last tour gig flawlessly, the band were endlessly grateful on stage; thanking the crowd throughout the performance; by no means showing exhaustion. I just couldn’t get over how much frontman Daniel Blumberg looked, and acted like, Bob Dylan on-stage. They played hits such as Georgia which of course went down a storm in such a small space, and covered a foreign gem from a Japanese artist sung by bassist Mariko Doi. There are no scheduled dates for Yuck playing in the new year, but as soon as they go up I recommend grabbing some tickets. I imagine they’ll have some nice new material next year as well.

Georgia by Yuck

Girls - Electric Ballroom, Camden

Earlier this week Girls played the Electric Ballroom in Camden, touring their new album ‘Father, Son, Holy Ghost’. The band took to the stage with bouquets tied to the mic stands and frontman Christopher Owens looking as Californian as ever, with his checkered shirt and long blonde hair draped over his face. Their set was immense and the gospel backing singers had the crowd moving all night. All I’m saying is, listen to the song ‘die’ and imagine the amps turned to 11, that pretty much sums up the night.

Girls - Die by artsandcraftsmx

The Antlers - The Borderline, London

Courtesy of The Fly, I was able to witness The Antlers intimate gig at The Borderline, London. The magazine recently announced the bands fourth album ‘Burst Apart’ would hit the #1 spot in their top 50 Albums of 2011. Quite the achievement. I was a bit hesitant at the first listen, however after a couple more plays the record becomes purely beautiful. After four albums the Brooklyn based band have not got fans by the masses. They remind me of Elbow, where after every album they get more and more recognized, which is amazing as most flop on the second or fatal third.

The Sunday evening was one of the best intimate gigs I have been to. Frontman Peter Silberman hit all notes with transcendence; his sound is pure whilst being reminiscent of Jeff Buckley’s vocals. And when the band played Hounds the crowd were just lost in the music; in Darby Cicci’s experimental synth-keyboard; in Michael Lerner’s slow but pounding drums, complimenting Silberman’s beautiful vocals. Lastly, I must add this is the second time running at this venue where half the band ended up in the crowd rolling around the floor with their guitar.

The Antlers - Parentheses by Frenchkiss

Veronica Falls - The Fly, Camden

Last week I was lucky enough to catch Veronica Falls at the Camden intimate venue The Fly. They were supported by Fanzine, the London group (who couldn't sound more American if they tried) received a positive response with their Lo-Fi sound and High School attire. Defiantly give “Beetle Song” and “I Wanna Touch Your Hand” a listen.

With a quick change around on stepped Veronica Falls, playing recognizable songs such as "Found Love in a Graveyard" - which has been floating round as a single the last couple of years. They are now loaded with more tunes such as "Come on Over" "Beachy Head", and "Bad Feeling". The bands mumbly, noir pop sounded great on the night, the only thing the gig lacked was some enthusiasm from the crowd. Veronica Falls are getting a lot of press at the moment, try and get your hands on the self-titled debut record.

Photo by The Fly

Veronica Falls - Found Love In A Graveyard by momokoyoshino