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[review] from
http://www.soundsxp.com/85.shtml
Rilo Kiley / The Duke Spirit
London Barfly
Article written by Matt H
Oct 5, 2003.
Although coming out with a set of Velvet Underground influenced garage
rock hardly singles the Duke Spirit out as a bunch of radicals, they
shouldn't be knocked. Their songs are good and they certainly look the
part. Their sound builds heavily on a sinister bass backing, but they
steer plenty clear from the dodgy waters of goth. Good taste is also
demonstrated by picking Into the White as a Pixies tune to cover and
their quality by the fact that they don't fuck it up. Good stuff.
If it's true that nice guys finish last then Rilo Kiley are fucked. If
tonight is anything to go by though they need have no worries. Not
because they were any less than pure Californian charm and enthusiasm,
but because those at the Barfly had no heed to any dubious credo.
Although yet to bag a headlining slot in the Smoke, there could hardly
be a bigger contrast with the smattering of fans and curious pensioners
that got together for their first UK appearance earlier in the month.
This time, buoyed by a more congenial Friday evening slot and bit of XfM
exposure, they've jammed the Barfly with a couple of hundred noisy
converts. As suspected the band reflect back and amplify the joy,
putting on a real show that has the place bouncing. All this despite a
mix that threatens to drown out Jenny Lewis and Blake Sennett's floating
vocals with the chiming guitar pop that is their mainstay - albeit pop
that ranges widely from surfy singalongs to punky power. They even throw
in a chunk of audience participation, dragging a few either pissed,
starstruck, or both, fans up to contribute the bar room choir backing to
the joyous With Arms Outstretched. All this happiness belies the
bittersweet nature of some of the songs, but frankly that doesn't
matter. If there's any justice in the world Rilo Kiley should be aiming
at first - they certainly won everyone over tonight.
Setlist: Execution of all Things, My Slumbering Heart, The Good that
Won't Come Out, August, Paint's Peeling, A Better Son/Daughter, With
Arms Outstretched, Pictures of Success, Spectacular Views. |
