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The Vatican Cellars/ Richard Walters/ Stephen Jowett/ Andy Raeburn
London, Slaughtered Lamb
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Article
written by
Nov 25, 2007.
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The Slaughtered Lamb in Clerkenwell is full of dull, braying suits who've fallen out of their city offices to obliterate memories of balance sheets and closing prices with quantities of expensive imported lager. They're unconscious of the world occupied by the folksters downstairs: a square space of acoustic and soft electric bliss. Wander down the stairs and it's warm with fuzzy folk love, with plenty of singer-songwriters but not a knitted jumper between them. Andy Raeburn is actually an acoustic two- and, eventually, three-piece, who are the only ones to seek audience participation, I recall. All I remember about Stephen Jowett is a colleague's observation during the first song that "I can see which way he's dressing", which rather distracts your attention for the rest of the set, especially when she adds to that a comment on the height of his shoes. I think there is more to him than cock and Cuban heels - he left me with a vague Jeffrey Lewis feel. Richard Walters looks like Adem and creates a little quiet space in the centre of the world's chaos. It was a little too introverted for my taste but his cover of 'True Love Will Find You in the End' was touching.
I was there for The Vatican Cellars and I'm pleased that I did because they're the best band on the bill. The melodica opening to 'Lost At the End of the Line' sets out their stall: melancholy, beautifully played folk-pop full of a poetic death-obsessed language that is crooned as much as sung. It combines Elysian fields with London streets, creating the sort of sound you might get by mashing together Nick Drake and Ray Davies. 'My Black Pearl' is my favourite of the songs tonight; hell, it's a favourite of the whole year. With its soft opening, insidious melody and boy-girl vocals from Simon and Hannah, it gives you the same tingly feeling as drinking warm chocolate and then comes the kick when you realise it's another dark death song. However, it's never too bleak or gothic, especially when Hannah’s on hand to draw attention to drummer Russ's "drum vagina". The number of gigs they’ve played is still in single figures but they're already a great evening out.
Pictures courtesy of Alex at Alexander's Festival Hall: http://www.alexandersfestivalhall.org/
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