Camera Obscura live review
This Camera Obscura gig review is of the concert they performed at the Komedia Brighton in April 2007.
The band took their time coming on stage, perhaps because they were afraid of the upcoming Tesco’s backlash. The band recently allowed their song ‘Country Mile’ to be used in a Tesco’s clothing advert, and because Tesco’s are hated by the left wing inhabitants of Brighton, and I should imagine, many other Camera Obscura fans, this move did not go down well. As well as a couple of negative comments shouted at the band the backlash came to a head when the band played the aforementioned ‘devil’ song and someone threw a shower of beer over the bands guitarist. This seemed a bit over the top for a fey indie bands gig, Tesco advert or no Tesco advert. He looked forward and smiled in a somewhat negative fashion and the band played on. Afterwards lead singer Tracyanne chastised the beer flinger ‘its a pop concert for fucks sake’, in her beautiful Scottish accent, and the band insinuated that the guitarist could have been electrocuted. The more reasonable members of the crowd, myself included, all clapped and the peace was restored.
Tesco based gossip aside, the gig was very enjoyable, although without any moments of great excellence. However it was a Tuesday and I was tired, so that was perhaps ideal. Additionally I felt they would perhaps have provided a better gig if not for the poor sound quality brought on it would appear by the sound man, who had the vocals too low in the mix at the start and then performed a multitude of other sins. Highlights were therefore the louder, more lively songs. For the encore they played Abba’s ‘Super Trooper’ in typically downbeat fashion which even prompted a quiet sing along from some of the more ambitious audience members, some of whom could also be seen performing a waltz at various points throughout the evening.
In conclusion, a lovely amiable band, who whilst they probably deserved it (although who am I to say I would turn the money down in their situation, and it’ll make them more mainstream which they may want, oh yeah, and thats the only reason I was there after hearing the song on the ad), were so nice the abuse seemed uncalled for, and a nice evening out. My girlfriend also enjoyed it, and they played her favourite song. Considering neither of us had heard the band before Sunday, I would say it went down rather well. 7/10
Buy the albums
Music Videos
Lets get out of this country
[youtube qdiKUTdnMm4]
Country Mile live
[youtube OL0ztU5Zi4w]
Lloyd I’m ready to be heartbroken
[youtube XTa_RQC8ZxA]
Teenager
[youtube UDMfflnKOTY]
Super Trooper live cover
[youtube MN8bMA2mJik]
Short Film about the band
[youtube R19yZEAOmAo]
[youtube KdzKJMYuVNI]