What a wonderful concert! My early arrival turned out to a be a winner and for once I was plum in the centre, right at the front of the stage taking in the full musical force (and occasional blob of musician sweat) from this most excellent band.
Although I love listening to all the Phosphorescent albums, hearing the songs performed live triggered some slightly more intense emotions. Whether it was the result of their indie folk/ alt country sound being given more of a rock
injection
or Matthew Houck's vocals cracking in all the right places on the more intimate songs (such as
Wolves), I think I prefer them live, you get just that little bit extra that makes you feel connected and entertained.
The band were great fun, ploughing their rock energies into their collective instruments like they were presenting their offerings to the Gods of Rock. They also shared some of an already fairly consumed bottle of Jameson Irish whisky with a few members of the audience mid set, not only showing their friendly (and a bit drunk) vibe, but they also have good taste in whisky! Rock'n'roll man!
Favourite songs of the evening included
The Mermaid Parade,
Los Angeles,
It's Not Supposed To Be That Way,
Wolves and an extended heavy sounding
At Death, A Proclamation which ended the 2nd and final encore in a wave of euphoria leaving me with that post gig feeling of
That was so good, what on earth am I supposed to do with myself now?!! kind of rush.
A great evening, these guys can seriously rock! Can't wait to see them at the End of the Road festival in September.
[All photos from Phosphorescent @ ICA by Martin Leung]