REVIEW: JEFFREY LEWIS AT BRISTOL THEKLA (01/11/11)
On Tuesday, many a reputable 90s indie-grunge fan boarded the Thekla to witness Jeffrey Lewis and his band. Hailing from the Lower East Side, Lewis signed to Rough Trade back in 2001. Since then he’s completed numerous cover versions of garage rock classics, and moved onto creating his very own classics of distorted folk tinged loveliness. In return, he’s created an army of fans around the world, eager to catch a glimpse of this new age wordsmith.
The venue is bustling with an audience of all ages. This is always a good sign, proving that Lewis’ tunes can appeal to pretty much anyone. Heading to the balcony for a much needed squeezy space, Jeffrey Lewis takes to the stage. As his band shyly hunch over their instruments, Lewis exudes a modest confidence and is ready for the show. Looking more like a group of outcasts sitting in a cafeteria at an American high school – and I mean this as a compliment – it’s clear that they are in love with what they do.
Having just released his new album ‘A Turn in the Dream-Songs,’ the set mostly sets its sights on giving the audience a taste of the new material. ‘How Can It Be’ portrays the heartache of young love, melting your heart with each strum but with a pinch of teenage boy humour to keep you smiling. The band’s cute backing vocals and animated performance give the song that extra kick.
Taking a break between songs, Jeffrey turns the audience’s attention to the screen located on the back wall. He declares that he will tell us a story and all are eager to see what he has in store. Singing/talking to a quiet backing instrumental courtesy of his drummer and bassist, drawings appear on the screen, synchronising with each part of the story. As you look across the audience, there is a mixture of smiles and perplexed expressions; either way, this story time for adults is a refreshing contribution to your average gig.
As it was Halloween the day before, the band felt it appropriate to saviour the theme. Explaining that he once met and befriended a Korean man some ten years ago, Jeffrey would like to play the audience a Halloween song he wrote in somewhat disjointed Korean. ‘Vampire Bats’ is fun and almost a little ridiculous but the audience relish the child’s play and carry on bobbing their heads.
Towards the end of the set, Lewis explains that the band was once hired to play old garage rock covers for a furniture store in Brighton. Although the idea that this would actually help to sell furniture bombed, the band are pleased to have learnt the songs and are ecstatic to share them with the audience. Playing Bob Segers ‘2+2=?’ the band and audience come alive and start to shake and twist their bodies almost uncontrollably. As he screams into the mic over and over again, it’s clear that it’s always been Lewis’ dream to be a rock and roll star. And tonight, he most certainly is.
Jeffrey Lewis is a much needed injection of energy into today’s music scene. Not afraid to be silly, whilst still maintaining a charming ethic and strong manifesto, Jeffrey will surely continue to take over the world with his geeky grunge.
Words: Samantha Maine
Photo: Laura Williams
