REVIEW: THE PIERCES + MARCUS FOSTER AT BRISTOL ANSON ROOMS (20/10/11)
There are a lot of Marcus Fosters out there right now. The post-Mumford era is one brimming with checkered shirts and bootcut denims so its hard to put on a guitar singer-songwriter show and actually stand out. Hard, but evidently not impossible. Him and his two-man backing were performing songs with rough storytelling that made the show something pretty enthralling.
Tracks like ‘Faint Stir Of Madness‘ or the beautiful ‘I Was Broken‘ all had a very authentic drive from Foster. In some crescendos he would growl the lyrics and let out soul-like howls making him seem a bit untamed than his contemporaries. There were also moments where the stomp and brush of the drum kit of bounce of the double bass made for a blues like stomp that was felt like an old red wine where Mumford and Sons were still drinking cans of pear cider.
To be fair, Marcus Foster shouldn’t really be compared to those taking over the world with folk-pop. Tonight’s show proved that there aren’t really that many Marcus Fosters out there right now and even though the genre might seem over crowded – I think that Foster has a authenticity that is missing. His final song, ‘I Belong Here’ was something really very special- more songs like this and more people will start seeing just how much more Marcus Foster has to offer.
There was a lot of theatrics with The Pierces tonight. The show opened with their branchy backdropped being coldly lit with a echoey chime intro piece. Then the sisters came on after their backing musicians. They both looked amazing. Lacey white gowns and intricate belt buckles were on the menu. Then came the songs, the tracks from latest album ‘You and I’ provided most of the set. Songs like ‘It Will Not Be Forgotten’, ‘I Put Your Records On’ and the indisputably infectious ‘You’ll Be Mine’ were stand out tracks of the evening. The theatrics continued throughout the show.
Every song was preempted with an explanation of when are where it was written. ‘Douchebag’ ex-boyfriends, New York parties and dating musicians were all key themes. For me, the songs lack a little bit of guts and feel like a modernized alternative B*Witched but there’s no denying they are well written. ‘The Good Samaritan was a paticular highlight from their set. With the murky guitars making for a dusty sound which had a slightly sinister narrative. When the girls spoke about their roots down south of America the glowing storytelling made a bit more sense.
Alongside their wonderful harmonies (most prominent in their a cappella encore Simon and Garfunkel recital) the stories of their songs sounded like they could be horror tales told by campfire. Until their closing track arrived and any charm they may have had was lost in the song, ‘Boring’ which was quite simply one of those most awkward songs I’ve heard in a long while. This song was a monumental dip however it has to be said that The Pierces are a band who have used their deep south origins and taken the traditions of storytelling and on-the-surface innocence to create a sound and style that is theatrical, entertaining but maybe a little too safe.
Words: Duncan Harrison
Photos: Laura Palmer
