Low @ The Bakery, Perth(23/10/10)

Tue 26th Oct, 2010 in Gig Reviews

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”I’ve been a fan of Low for a long time. That whole spook element. Monkey is such a great song – I don’t think I could write anything half as good as that” – Robert Plant.

Low brought their mesmerisingly brilliant and critically-acclaimed brand of indie rock to the newly-refurbished Bakery as part of their Australian tour. Formed in 1993 in Duluth, Minnesota, Low are well known for their bare and unique sound that recalls the drama of Joy Division, the intensity of Big Black and the harmony of a church choir, an interesting and beautiful mixture.

The Bakery was the perfect setting for the gig. It was small, warm and had a fantastic mellow atmosphere. The stage area was enveloped in black velvet which not only provided fantastic acoustics, but also added to the intimacy of the night.

The mood was set by support from local band Schvendes who were an excellent start to the night. The group combined a sparse Bad Seeds rhythm with gorgeous string arrangements that were a fantastic complement for Low.

The audience, albeit small, were a band of loyal followers who waited with baited breath as founding members Alan Sparhawk (guitar and vocals) and Mimi Parker (drums and vocals) and Steve Garrington took to the stage. The audience crowded around, forming a supportive community for the band.

Low is usually placed in the subgenre of ‘slowcore’, characterised by slow tempos and minimalist arrangements. Performing material from across their entire catalogue, Low’s live show wrapped the audience in a web of breathtaking sonic intensity and magnetic songsmithery. They played old favourites like Monkey and Last Snowstorm of the Year as well as new tracks from the latest album, Drums and Guns.

The music was hypnotic, with minimalist drum loops working alongside subtle melody to lay the foundations for chilling vocal harmonies that are, as always, the heart of Low’s sound. Parker and Sparhawk’s striking vocal harmonies represent the group’s most distinctive element and were a highlight of the night. Their vocals were woven seamlessly with the rhythms that transformed and transported the audience.

As live performers, Low were a fantastic and down to earth band. The audience was enthusiastic and cheered after every song, even with the occasional wolf-whistle and an ‘I love you’. Sparhawk joked and laughed with the audience, and even dedicated a song to ‘Neil’ who was having a birthday on the night.

Low, famed for their talented and engaging live shows did not fail to deliver. With a chilled and mellow atmosphere, it was a night of spine-tingling harmonies and starkly beautiful soundscapes. The audience was thoroughly engaged and showed a great support and enthusiasm for the band. Overall, this was a fantastic night with a talented band that put on a great show.

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