Neko Case isn't really my sort of music - it's a bit earthy and rootsy, but I gamely tried to get into the spirit by er, standing at the back and trying not to fall asleep. Damn gigs on a school night...
Previously published on mINtSOUTH.com in September 2009
Words - Suzy Sims
Editor - Rob Ball
(c) mINtSOUTH.com
NEKO CASE + BLACK GOLD @ WEDGEWOOD ROOMS 16/09/09
Is it the credit crunch? Is it the day of the week? For whatever reason, when we arrive at the Wedgewood Rooms for Neko Case's gig, by half past eight it's only playing host to 40 people and half a seagull, judging by the feathers lying on the floor.
Brooklyn’s Black Gold are a nice band; there’s no doubt about that. They're pleasant, they're sweet and radio-friendly. They would be no different from your Keanes and your Gary Go's if it wasn't for their bassist. Swathed in scarves and a cap, he oozes coolness. He's like The Cat off Red Dwarf, only less flamboyant and far, far cooler, in an understated way.
Luckily by the time Black Gold is ready to come onstage, the crowd has picked up a bit, though they're all lurking in the shadows or the bar. “Come closer! We won't bite,” pleads singer Eric Ronick. “...Unless you ask nicely.”
Along with The Cat, the band's guitarist looks like one of The Cribs, so it's all minor lookalikes in here tonight. Black Gold's music is played in earnest, aiming for a powerful sound with an honest spring in everyone's step. The band is unashamedly pop, which is sadly often seen as a dirty word amongst scenesters, and they’re clearly having a good time onstage. Songs tonight include The Comedown and Shine, taken from album Rush which is due out over here in early October.
The drums are played with power ballad type breaks and the band are forthcoming with their praise for everyone. We're incredible, Pompey is incredible, Neko Case are incredible. Black Gold aren't incredible, but they are an enjoyably toe-tapping way to spend a half hour.
Neko Case has a supergroup, as we were informed by a keen fan in the front row. Perhaps he just meant a collection of experienced professionals. The band aren’t exactly a supergroup along the lines of Them Crooked Vultures, and unless you’re familiar with American folk or The New Pornographers, you may be unsure what to expect tonight. Yes, it’s that genre so derided by many: country. No, come back! It's not the sort of pop-lite country made sadly popular over here by Shania Twain et al but proper, neat and mature country music.
The music is very American folk, rootsy and with strong elements of bluegrass and sweet charm. They’ve got a double bass; beards and hats. They tell stories in between songs about running outside in their pyjamas to pet dogs. Everyone is nice and friendly. Neko Case has a strong, smooth voice. Her burnt copper hair is all over the place and she keeps trying to tie it out the way, but the band are less bothered about their appearance than they are about their music. Still, mINtSOUTH’s snapper is strictly forbidden from taking any pictures of the headlining act. Meanies.
Neko Case and pals have a dedicated fanbase, judging from the excitable man standing at the barrier who has travelled some way to be here and who keeps pointing out to us which other band members have recording deals. It didn’t seem like anyone was singing along but rather were quietly appreciating the music – though with six studio albums, including Fox Confessor Brings the Flood and latest long player Middle Cyclone, it would take some listening to learn all the lyrics. “I love your voice. You’re beautiful and I love your voice,” one woman shouts. Neko Case is a little embarrassed by this.
If you don’t know the songs, it can all blend slightly into one jangling, whimsical tangle of notes. It was just a slower pace of life than I’m used to and hard for me to relate to. Perched at the back of the Wedgewood Rooms, sitting on a ledge in the dark, Neko Case seemed a very long way off and the relaxing notes flowed over my head, sweeping past gently, and my mind drifted off into its own little world of calm. It was wholesome and warming, and made one a little sleepy by the end.
Black Gold
Neko Case
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