Solid and Unpretentious Set
Blonde Redhead came and played a very solid, un-pretentious gig at Shepherd's Bush Empire on Monday. There was little banter, and much music. It felt like ambient rock that makes you want to jump. They walk the line between ambient pop, rock and art-rock quite well, and they've been doing it a long time.
There are a lot of young people there, which is interesting for a band that's been around this long. I think it's because they've had a few singles out here recently, but the tone of most of their songs is definitely more mature than the age of the audience suggested. It's the kind of music that makes time pass well, but doesn't make you want to cry about it. It's like being satisfied by being not-that-sad, instead of insanely happy.
The front woman is charming and plays guitars and keyboards. They dress well. The Empire's floor is packed, and many of the people are enthralled. The upper-floor seating is mostly populated with couples who hold each other and are well-entertained for a Monday night.
There is an encore. Someone tells me it's their single and "it's really really good. So so catchy". It is catchy and ends the night well. Leaving, I get lost. Tired and hungry, I buy Chinese food. Finally oriented, I cross the correct street towards the bus to Camden.
I notice that walking with me is a man with a guitar and some gear. It is the guitarist from Blonde Redhead, carrying some things to his hotel across the street from the Empire.
"Hey man, is the bus to Camden up there?" He pauses and turns to me.
"I have no idea, man. I'm a long way from home."
Me, too.