Musings

Oh My God, Charlie Darwin

Yesterday was gig-heavy – followed up the Marina & the Diamonds frenzied energy with an altogether calm and peaceful gig at one of London’s most beautiful venues, Union Chapel.

I’d been there before to see Biffy Clyro and We Are Scientists as part of the Mencap Music Little Noise Sessions (where U2′s Bono and the Edge famously showed up for a surprise acoustic set) so thought it might be an extremely mellow, sit-down affair.

The Low Anthem were phenomenal. An extremely talented trio, who seemed to each be masters of every one of the numerous instruments on stage – from drums to double bass to harmonica to guitar to a strange string/cymbal ensemble I’ve never seen before. Similarly impressive as Fanfarlo and Anathallo but also completely in their own original sphere.

The Low Anthem (MySpace)

Promoting their new album, ‘Oh My God, Charlie Darwin’ their show was mostly beautifully mellow prairie style folk – caravans crossing the Great American Plains music- that could not have been more aptly chosen for the Islington church venue. They did whip out a couple of surprises – a stellar blues performance and a country-style song, neither of which I know the names for (but I think the former might have been ‘Home I’ll Never Be’), despite listening to as much of their music as I could find!

Back in July for the “Verizon festival” (was Ben making a joke or did he really not know?), their performance prompted a standing ovation. Well… from me and my mate, in any case.