Of Montreal at Shepherds Bush Empire

Of Montreal at Shepherds Bush Empire

15 July, 2009
by: Gina Louise

A little too eager to impress on my first gig, I arrive at the Shepherds Bush Empire promptly at seven, ready for my fix of musical inspiration. Unspeakably impressed by the favourable ratio of bars to people, I order a pint and settle in for a bit of a wait. Already a collection of hardcore indie addicts are trading their back catalogues of Kula Shaker to get to the barrier, swaying in a lackadaisical trance to the soft shoegaze that's crawling out of the speakers. Ahh, nothing like the monotonous drone of melancholy indie music to rile up the crowd.

At about eight I spy support band Local Natives through a myriad of floral tea dresses and trilby hats. These unassuming fellows continue the relatively placid trend that the night has sunk into, complete with a good beat and some quirky hand clap routines. It is refreshing to see a group attempt a harmony beyond most of the generic indie pop bands that saturate the market today, and to do it rather well. Though the crowd doesn’t appear very responsive, Local Natives are still appreciative of the support, and when their Talking Heads cover fails to rouse a reaction they accept perhaps this crowd isn’t for them. I begin to feel a little disheartened; it feels as if the night will never step up a gear.

But then it happens. Lights, leotards and a man in a tiger mask. Of Montreal certainly know how to make an entrance, and make an entrance they do, as Kevin Barnes is carried on stage on the shoulders of some scantily clad men amidst an ongoing pig vs snake glitter battle.

This sets the precedent for the evening, with a backdrop of theatrical accompaniments spanning the length of the show, adequately making up for the rather unconsidered light show. It all gets a little surreal when amateur-dramatic pigs begin a game of Christmas present Russian roulette.

The camp glitter filled performance from the American indie band curiously resembles Swedish pop, and sounds as if someone had thrown a wad of money at The Ark. Their catchy choruses are received with delight as the crowd finally awake from their coma of musical ignorance, and passion courses through the masses. Songs are delivered with pristine vocals, taking the bite out of the razor sharp attitude of Barnes and band.

Of Montreal mercifully choose to omit the obligatory silence in their most popular songs to allow the audience to join in: a favourite ploy of pop sensations, a pet hate of mine. Perhaps Kevin Barnes doesn't want to share the lime light, his secondary persona being so effortlessly and brilliantly vain. There is no momentary silence in between songs and the wait for an encore is also blissfully short; you just can’t get those princesses off the stage. Their polished performance can’t really be faulted, though does end rather too quickly.

In short, the techno glam boys properly deliver the goods with trademark gloomy lyrics and upbeat melodies. Though the fact that it isn't too packed is great for my viewing pleasure, it leads me to believe Of Montreal are something of an unappreciated pop treasure. Perhaps their gaudy confidence or controversial lyrics prove too much for the masses; whatever it is, I’m glad they are not yet revelling in the glory of the mainstream.

Photo credit: Lady Annik

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Gina Louise