Mark Lanegan at the Union Chapel
Mark Lanegan
Duke Garwood
Union Chapel, 18 August 2010
It's funny how certain artists can constantly surprise you. On the surface Mark Lanegan certainly wouldn't be the most obvious candidate for this: he hardly moves while performing, rarely says a word and sings his songs with little improvisation. Yet, having seen Lanegan 17 times now, twice on this solo tour alone, I can honestly say each show I've seen has been a unique and beautiful experience.
Of course it helps playing in the serenely Gothic atmosphere of the Union Chapel, one of the best and most beautiful venues in London, known for its incredible acoustics - perfect in fact for Lanegan's deep, spine-tingling voice. Once again accompanied by Twilight Singers guitarist Dave Rosser, this time unusually swapping his acoustic for his electric to surprisingly great effect, even with this sparse set-up it's impressive the way Lanegan holds court and fills the venue with that distinctive voice of his. It's a voice that is hard to describe really beyond the obvious Jim Morrison and Tom Waits comparisons because live, in the flesh, it's a tremendously affecting thing that quakes you in your boots and yet warms your soul. It seems even more magnificent in the surroundings and sounds warmer and stronger than ever. Constant touring and smoking seems to destroy other singers' voices but with Lanegan it just makes his sound richer and more beautifully world-weary, able to go from a deep, menacing growl (as in Hit The City) to a soulful croon (as in I'll Take Care Of You).
The first half of the show wasn't identical but very similar to the set list at the Scala show a couple of months back (although this time the pair opened with a moving rendition of Field Song). Once again there were wonderfully moody versions of such Lanegan favourites as River Rise, When Your Number Isn't Up, No Easy Action and Like Little Willie John. Lanegan rarely shows emotion but you could tell he was enjoying himself and appreciated the audience reaction from his body language, nodding with satisfaction and confidence, and shaking his shoulders to boost himself up for each song. I know I always say it, despite possibly needing a haircut (he looked positively shaggy - not that that's a bad thing) he looked absolutely great, tall, strong, healthy and handsome. It's so hard to believe the skinny, gaunt, fragile guy I saw 10 years ago is the same man. It's a lovely thing to see.
But the true surprise came with the encore, the true test that tells whether or not Lanegan has been enjoying the show (other than walking off early, something is he known to do when not happy). Given the awed silence during every song and the rapturous applause and cheers there was no doubt this was a good crowd and Lanegan showed his appreciation by treating us to not one, not two but three Screaming Trees songs in quick succession. I hate to be one of those people who gets nostalgic and values the classic material over the newer songs, because really Lanegan has always released quality music, but it was thrilling to hear some of those amazing Trees songs that I hadn't heard live in years: Shadow Of The Season, Dying Days and Halo Of Ashes, Rosser superbly taking over Gary Lee Conner's guitar parts. Everyone around me had huge grins on their faces some even leaping to their feet and throwing their hands in the air in joy. It was a really fantastic way to end a truly special show. I won't have to wait too long to add my 18th Lanegan show to the list as I'm seeing him yet again, this time with Isobel Campbell, next month. I can't wait, it's always a delight to see their unique chemistry on stage (and it really is unique).
Also a quick word about Lanegan's favourite London-based Gothic blues guy, Duke Garwood, who once again supported. He was as hypnotic and atmospheric as ever, his guitar-playing wild and interesting. The crowd seemed to really "get" him this time which was cool to see although I must admit I do enjoy him more backed with his little band, as at the Scala show, but you can definitely see what Lanegan sees in his Lift To Experience-style blues and he's always a good fit as a Lanegan warm-up, something that must be daunting for any support artist.
Of course it helps playing in the serenely Gothic atmosphere of the Union Chapel, one of the best and most beautiful venues in London, known for its incredible acoustics - perfect in fact for Lanegan's deep, spine-tingling voice. Once again accompanied by Twilight Singers guitarist Dave Rosser, this time unusually swapping his acoustic for his electric to surprisingly great effect, even with this sparse set-up it's impressive the way Lanegan holds court and fills the venue with that distinctive voice of his. It's a voice that is hard to describe really beyond the obvious Jim Morrison and Tom Waits comparisons because live, in the flesh, it's a tremendously affecting thing that quakes you in your boots and yet warms your soul. It seems even more magnificent in the surroundings and sounds warmer and stronger than ever. Constant touring and smoking seems to destroy other singers' voices but with Lanegan it just makes his sound richer and more beautifully world-weary, able to go from a deep, menacing growl (as in Hit The City) to a soulful croon (as in I'll Take Care Of You).
The first half of the show wasn't identical but very similar to the set list at the Scala show a couple of months back (although this time the pair opened with a moving rendition of Field Song). Once again there were wonderfully moody versions of such Lanegan favourites as River Rise, When Your Number Isn't Up, No Easy Action and Like Little Willie John. Lanegan rarely shows emotion but you could tell he was enjoying himself and appreciated the audience reaction from his body language, nodding with satisfaction and confidence, and shaking his shoulders to boost himself up for each song. I know I always say it, despite possibly needing a haircut (he looked positively shaggy - not that that's a bad thing) he looked absolutely great, tall, strong, healthy and handsome. It's so hard to believe the skinny, gaunt, fragile guy I saw 10 years ago is the same man. It's a lovely thing to see.
But the true surprise came with the encore, the true test that tells whether or not Lanegan has been enjoying the show (other than walking off early, something is he known to do when not happy). Given the awed silence during every song and the rapturous applause and cheers there was no doubt this was a good crowd and Lanegan showed his appreciation by treating us to not one, not two but three Screaming Trees songs in quick succession. I hate to be one of those people who gets nostalgic and values the classic material over the newer songs, because really Lanegan has always released quality music, but it was thrilling to hear some of those amazing Trees songs that I hadn't heard live in years: Shadow Of The Season, Dying Days and Halo Of Ashes, Rosser superbly taking over Gary Lee Conner's guitar parts. Everyone around me had huge grins on their faces some even leaping to their feet and throwing their hands in the air in joy. It was a really fantastic way to end a truly special show. I won't have to wait too long to add my 18th Lanegan show to the list as I'm seeing him yet again, this time with Isobel Campbell, next month. I can't wait, it's always a delight to see their unique chemistry on stage (and it really is unique).
Also a quick word about Lanegan's favourite London-based Gothic blues guy, Duke Garwood, who once again supported. He was as hypnotic and atmospheric as ever, his guitar-playing wild and interesting. The crowd seemed to really "get" him this time which was cool to see although I must admit I do enjoy him more backed with his little band, as at the Scala show, but you can definitely see what Lanegan sees in his Lift To Experience-style blues and he's always a good fit as a Lanegan warm-up, something that must be daunting for any support artist.
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