LIVE: The Young Republic Offer a Mixed Bag at Cargo
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
Written by Matt Hamm
The Young Republic are an American band who play American music. Hailing from the south’s musical hub Nashville, Tennessee, their sound is one that has grown from the dusty country roots of that area of the world. The 6 piece collective draw inspiration from all over, sweeping a net across country, bluegrass, jazz, rock and alternative to form their distinctive music. And it is one that definitely grabs your attention.
The US band played to a busy Cargo in London’s East End, seeming suited and booted to cross the sticky divide of both musical fashion and taste. Each member a different style and purpose, from twee to ageing rocker, lending to the notion that if you tick more boxes, the more fans you’ll get right?!...wrong. The issue with this band is their inconsistency. Their songs are eclectic and interesting, but it’s so different from track to track, that any chance to connect with the music is too difficult. Unfortunately, their set saw the same fate.
At times their music throws itself into the moment, building on the duo of shrieking strings, thumping drums and lead singer, Julian Saporiti’s confident voice lending to a dark, cinematic sound. Tidal Wave saw the marriage of Arcade Fire and White Stripes, as screeching violins and a banging drum beat joined forces to impress in the finale. Whilst The Wolf could’ve walked right from the set of hit TV show True Blood, Saporiti revelling in its playfully sinister and moody atmosphere with an odd but likeable intensity reminiscent of Nick Cave. As well as this their encore showed their light-hearted side, with tributes to Dylan and the Beatles, along with an enjoyable dance off with their support act to Ghostbusters.
But beyond that, it varies a little too much. Much like a bag of Haribo Tangfastics, there was not enough of the sour cherries to satisfy one sitting, leaving too disappointing dummies and chewy crocodiles. Sam Clemens, described as ‘spooky jazz’, was dark, twisted, like taking a stroll in an abandoned 50s ghost town. It was atmospheric, and enticing to watch. But it was followed by their bluesy country love song, Excuses To See You; forcing the audience to clamber from the depths of the interestingly obscure to a bland, sun-baked romance in a matter of seconds. Napoleon Roses is one their best songs, effortlessly led by a piano, it’s simple yet catchy, and difficult not to start singing along to. But again the following track, Bows In Your Arms, fell flat; leaving the set feeling more like a showcase of their influences rather than their own take on them.
The Young Republic are an example of how important a decent producer is. These half dozen country rockers’ songs are strong, evocative and form an intriguing wall of sound at times, but they are all a tad too different to create a well shaped show that takes you on a journey. As a live act though, this band need no help on stage. They have the potential to fill bigger venues, so for the time being let’s hope they focus on finding their sound rather than a slightly disappointing pic’n’mix effort.
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
