Earth - Brudenell Social Club, Leeds - 9th March 2012 (Live Review)
Thursday, 22 March 2012
Written by Ben Bland
Arriving on the back of the sumptuous 'Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light II', Earth have managed to pack out the Brudenell despite their slightly marmite-y reputation as a live act. Dylan Carlson’s drone pioneers may have mellowed considerably in recent years but it is noticeable that a major portion of this crowd seem to be from a metal background. Whatever one says about them, it is certainly the case that Earth are a band that can attract a diverse fanbase.
As such it is perhaps no surprise to see Ô Paon on the bill tonight. French Canadian Geneviève Castrée’s solo project is a hazy dream pop cocktail. Guitar loops and delicately layered vocals blend together to create something devastatingly ethereal and profoundly affecting. Although she appears nervous and struggling with a cold, Castrée manages to prompt the Brudenell into complete awestruck silence during her all too brief set. On this evidence debut album 'Courses' should be worth checking out.
Phil Everum has been the mastermind behind two acts in his career, firstly The Microphones and now Mount Eerie. However, disappointingly for those who have journeyed out more to see him than the headliners this evening, he has not been able to bring his band with him and as such it is a solo act that Mount Eerie perform this evening. His atmospheric folk stylings are sadly rendered rather mute by some overly strained vocals and new song lyrics that are unfortunately clumsy. Thus his half hour on stage, by contrast to that of Castrée’s, is tainted by constant chatter from the audience.
The chatter has not disappeared by the time Earth arrive on stage but it soon becomes irrelevant. The only way to really get the most out of an Earth show is by giving the band your rapt attention and it seems that many of the Leeds onlookers have realised this. The set may almost exclusively be composed of tracks from band’s post-hiatus but it seems that fans old and new are perfectly satisfied by the performance. For some these tracks may appear to be all too similar but it is the subtle nuances of Earth’s sound that make them worth giving attention to, particularly those provided by Lori Goldstone’s cello. It does have to be said that any more than the seventy-odd minutes the band are on stage might be pushing things slightly, and the focus of some appears to waver somewhat towards the set conclusion. Overall though, Earth are as delightful on stage as on record. This is unique guitar music at its finest.
'Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light II' is out now via Southern Lord.
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As such it is perhaps no surprise to see Ô Paon on the bill tonight. French Canadian Geneviève Castrée’s solo project is a hazy dream pop cocktail. Guitar loops and delicately layered vocals blend together to create something devastatingly ethereal and profoundly affecting. Although she appears nervous and struggling with a cold, Castrée manages to prompt the Brudenell into complete awestruck silence during her all too brief set. On this evidence debut album 'Courses' should be worth checking out.
