I went to see Lloyd Cole last night, the final of three sold out performances Islington‘s beautiful Union Chapel.
A birthday treat for my friend Clare, we met up and had a couple of drinks first.
There were two sets, both were wonderful. Both were sprinkled with songs from across Lloyd‘s career. Little cheers would go up when intros from ‘Rattlesnakes‘ and ‘Easy Pieces‘, were recognised. The crowd were enjoying every minute; new songs and older ones mingling perfectly. Lloyd‘s gentle humour kept things moving along nicely, he joked they were the support act and would return soon and the headliners.
Joining him on stage were two of the Commotions; Blair Cowan on keys and synths and Neil Clark on guitar as well as Glaswegian Icelandic drummer Signy Jakobsdottir.
Signy was a revelation. Hitting drums with the palms of her hands, then sticks, shaking percussion and generally keeping everything held down while bouncing along beautifully.
I saw the Commotions live a few times and have always been a fan of Blair and Neil‘s playing, so this was a real treat.
In the second half Lloyd played a bass guitar (a lovely American Reverend Watt Wattplower), this tour has been the first time he has played one live before. I loved it, really cool playing with Lloyd‘s vocals effortlessly flowing over the top.
‘Wolves‘ and ‘The Idiot‘ from the new ‘On Pain‘ album both sounded wonderful , a really warm groove going down, the band’s enjoyment palpable.
They finished with a fab version of ‘Perfect Skin, Lloyd Cole and the Commotion’s debut single from 1984.
We had an absolutely brilliant night.
The tour continues:
Mon 23 BOURNMOUTH O2 Academy
Tue 24 CAMBRIDGE Corn Exchange
Wed 25 IPSWICH The Corn Exchange
Fri 27 BUXTON Opera House
Sat 28 COVENTRY Cathedral
Sun 29 NOTTINGHAM Albert Hall
Tue 31 BRIGHTON Dome
Read my Lloyd Cole interview from earlier this year here.
Indie Through The Looking Glass 