New To Q Sessions: The Pierces, Murray James, David's Lyre
It's barely six months since some in the music industry reckoned that Paul Dixon aka David's Lyre would be signed by a multinational record label. As such, the opening act on the last day of this year's New To Q now represents Hideout Recordings, a Universal imprint he shares with Patrick Wolf.
Tear Them Down (Single Version) by David's Lyre
Lucrative prospects aside, David's Lyre is arguably the least described act in New To Q's lineup, and to be the opener is no easy task to master. But with his three-piece backing band and a steady stream of curious onlookers, David's Lyre creates an alluring and somewhat eccentric mood during his thirty minutes on stage. Dixon's voice is a natural focal point in a set that mixes elements of Ed Harcourt and Everything Everything and Mumford & Sons with his own experimental folk-pop.
Up next, Murray James does a quantum leap from folky woodlands to such a sun-filled scenario that we're pretty much waiting for a water cannon and a complimentary G&T.
Milford On Sea's gravel-voiced contribution to soul-inspired pop is set to release his debut album later this year through Sony's Deconstruction Records, and if we are to believe the atmosphere filling Bush Hall during his short set, there's plenty to look forward to. Influences cited range from the genre classics to the contemporary Ray Charles and Otis Redding along with Mos Def and Common. Tonight however, there are several whispers comparing him to Adele, John Mayer and even Maroon 5. Nothing wrong with that of course. James confidently maintains the audience's attention with witty banter and escapes from tonight's performance, somewhat surprisingly, as one of this year's major hopefuls.
But the evening is mostly all about the two sisters from Birmingham, Alabama. The Pierces released their first album more than a decade ago, but with (industry terminology advance warning) 'minimal exposure' outside the U.S, they are nevertheless reborn - at least in the commercial sense - with their upcoming album You & I. They have as such assembled a solid foundation of devoted fans over the last ten years, and make sure to point out that London now 'feels like home', with Q modestly being referred to as "the coolest magazine in England, no, the world!". Oh, you are too kind. But on to business.
As with the video for their latest single, You'll Be Mine, The Pierces and their solid backing band drag Bush Hall into a mesmerizing bubble in which the last forty years never really happened, but kinda did. Like Jefferson Airplane on a camping trip with First Aid Kit, Aimee Mann and some herbal remedies. We're talking billowing white dresses, fringes, hair bands, a good dose of hazy evening sun and guitar-driven pop, so summery we feel like running barefoot in a meadow.
Only two songs from 2007's Thirteen Tales of Love and Revenge (Sticks and Stones and, of course, Secret) fit on a setlist otherwise occupied by their new album, but there's no sign of any audience complaints. "We have a couple more songs..." Catherine Pierce says before a heartfelt rendition of Put Your Records On, and a couple of boos are heard from the audience.. "..no?, Well, that's it then, we're done. F**k you" she says smiling, adding: "This song is about dating a musician... we don't recommend it". But, following an epic version of new-album highlight Glorious, they keep their unwelcome promise and exit the stage without an encore. A bit premature perhaps, but it's the most effective trick in the book, and a magnificent end to this year's New To Q.
Read the full review of this gig in Q Magazine issue Q297, out February.
Photos: New To Q Sessions - Day 5: The Pierces, Murray James, David's Lyre.
Words: Brand Barstein
12:15 PM | 01/02/2011
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