Tuesday 8th November. Islington Assembly Hall. Kevin Morby. Me and my brother from another mother John tonight and its back to the mighty fine Islington Assembly Hall.
I’ve been a fan or Mr Morby for a while but John hasn’t heard a note and not put off by the Guardians description as Indie sad he comes with. Morby, ex of the fine Woods has three solo albums to his name and half the set comes from the excellent new album ‘Singing Saw’.
It’s a three piece backing band tonight who provide the almost hypnotic beats to Morby songs shifting effortlessly between light and shade and folk to rock. Special mention to Meg Duffy, the most understated and unassuming lead guitarist I have seen in a long time but who drives the sound along and overall they produce that driving kaleidoscopic groove reminiscent of War on Drugs.
Morbys voice is strong and as John points out shows some depth especially on the solo Townes Van Zandt cover. Between song banter is kept to a minimum which is fine and the set moves quickly. The minimalist stage, no fancy lighting just showcase the simplicity of the songs and the interplay of the band. Highlights of the evening for me are ‘Miles, miles, miles’ and ‘Black Flowers’ but I could have picked many more.
A great night and I think he will have won many converts tonight at his biggest ever solo show.
Keep on rockin y’all.
Nao Yoshioka
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