Another sold out concert at King Tuts summons the Bluesbunny to see what all the fuss is about. On Good Friday a good show would be a great kick start to the long weekend.
Her Name is Calla were up first as support to The Twilight Sad and served up a helping of their solemn songs. Their weapons of choice consisted of a piano keyboard, lap top, a harmonica, electric guitar, drums, a trombone and even a joystick. A strange combination that blends together to create a fine melodramatic sound. The first song started slow with an electronic intro and developed to include the harmonica. The track remained instrumental, until the harmonica fell to the floor and was replaced by screaming into the microphone. But not screaming in that hideous screamo form but in a way that the volume and distortion was carefully adjusted so the screams coincided with the energy the song had been progressively collecting - a skill not easily mastered. "New England" concluded the set list and saw the energy levels climb once again. The sheer power of this band peaked when they all began simultaneously hammering away on three individual snares to close the set.
Her Name is Calla are a band where lyrics aren't used as the medium for the message but where the sounds and energy (especially in live performance) carry the burden. The songs featured tonight were heavily instrumental, with each of the member's musical talents fighting for our attention, and driving home the message of the emotions of hardship and confusion behind their music. However, I doubt that this can be captured as well in a recording. If intrigued, a live show is the best way to check out this Leicester based group.
Next to the King Tuts' stage was The Twilight Sad, presenting the music of a wounded soul who just may not have had a privileged upbringing. Focusing on his adolescence as the foundation of who he is today, singer James Graham speaks of his so called "lovely home, a strong father figure, with a heart of gold, [and] a loving mother" in "That Summer at Home I Became Invisible". But the taunting undercurrents in the music and tone of Graham's voice let you know that these adjectives used are less than the truth. The aggression builds and bursts through as the song continues and Graham is caught shouting much like Conor Oberst in Bright Eyes' "At the Bottom of Everything".
The theme of rejection and ignorance comes through quite clearly in the works of The Twilight Sad. "Talking with Fireworks" is another great example of this. An enticing rhythm of drumsticks tapping together projects an image of a neglectful childhood that is contextualised in lyrics like "Does your fear not grow when you see that you are all mine, with a knife in your chest". In this particular song, the Scottish accent is strong and thick and is an example of how the band wears their heart on their sleeves and are not afraid to show who they are or what they came from. Tonight's standout song from the band was "And She Would Darken the Memory of Youth". This song basically sums up the entire act of Twilight Sad in one song title but isn't a song that can sum up the bands capabilities. This ballad describes the writer's struggle when faced with shallow, blind-eyed perspectives, fake smiles on friendly faces, a drunken mind and even the possibility of a rabbit dying. Regardless, the writer is told "Head up dear, … because I'm putting up with your constant whine". An emotionally charged song that makes me glad I didn't father any members of this band otherwise I'd be pissed that my terrible parenting skills would be advertised through thousands of CD players and iPods.
Together, Her Name is Calla and The Twilight Sad were an excellent combination. The two bands complemented one another perfectly, each with their own strengths but with a similarity in tone that tied them together well. Whilst the music was rather downbeat and sombre, it was still an excellent show and I left impressed with the compassion and humanity of both bands.