Live Review

Allo Darlin’ – Cargo, London

• 23rd Nov 2010

Allo Darlin’ @ Cargo, London 17/11/2010

Allo Darlin’ are a band that have been sort of on the periphery of my conciousness for a while, not so much because I’ve sought them out, but because they’ve been steadily building up a fan base amongst whom several of my closer acquaintances can be found.

That fan base is certainly in evidence at the launch party for their new video for ‘My Heart is a Drummer’. Cargo, not a small space by any means, is heaving with a mixture of Allo Darlin’ ultras, twee devotees and the musically minded (of a certain disposition). Not in evidence yet are casuals; but one suspects they are just around the corner. This in a band on an upward trajectory, and surely the day job that prevents frontwoman Elizabeth Morris from attending the sound check will be a thing of the past after next year’s new album.

To be frank they’ve never really done it for me on record. I’ve always found them a little bland and a little sickly (think about it in culinary terms, it is, I’m sure you’ll agree, not the most desirable combination), and sometimes I suspect they’re trying a bit too hard. But then, cynicism that flies in the face of demonstrable evidence is prejudice. To stick with the culinary theme, I was about to eat my words…

Their live show was a completely different proposition to their recorded output. In a word, fun. Morris and bass player Bill Botting (also of Moustache of Insanity, worth a listen if you’re an indie popista) are impossible not to love. The latter bounces around like a jolly fool, and his enthusiastic backing vocals serve as a great foil to Morris’ undeniably lovely voice.

A ukulele, played by the frontwoman, serves the role an acoustic guitar might traditionally have. Now I’ve always thought of the uke as a bit of a novelty instrument, more charming than credible. It works great here though, sounding refreshing where a guitar might have been hackneyed, and well suiting the vocal themes of beauty in the everyday. It is strange how apt an instrument primarily associated with sun and sand can be as a vehicle for tales of urban romance.

It is complemented by some beautiful and subtle guitar work from Paul Rains as well as Botting’s satisfying and occasionally funky as ‘eck basslines. Let’s not leave the drums out though, as they play an essential role here in keeping the songs as expressions of joyful memories rather than cloudy reveries – there’s something very happy making about watching a packed room bob in unison – so kudos to you Mikey Collins.

Obvious standout tunes are ‘Tallulah’, performed alone by Morris (I was desperate to not like it but royally failed) and the song of the hour, ‘My Heart is a Drummer’ (best bassline of the evening). Musical references are made to Weezer, The Bangles and Cyndi Lauper – the last of which came during ‘My Heart is a Drummer’ and slapped me out of my fist clenched “what does this song sound like!?” dilemma; all go down a treat.

Actually quite a lot of the tunes had me thinking of other songs, which more than anything speaks of a diversity in Allo Darlin’s music that I had not previously appreciated. I’ll return to their debut album now with a different mindset, but will also be pinning my hopes on next year’s record to better capture the energy of their live show – although I acknowledge the current album has no shortage of admirers. I’ll take custard with my humble pie please…