Laura Veirs, at Fibbers.
First support was s'posed to be The Lungs who I've missed before, despite them being recommended. I assume that for some reason they didn't play since we weren't _that_ late after doors and the next support was already on... Led to the Sea. Violin, a Voice and some clever looping. Last time I saw clever looping (with a flute that time) it was at the Brudenell, suporting Melanie Pain, and it made me want to punch people so I didn't hold out a lot of hope. Actually, I really liked her and only wanted to punch the talky people who wandered in 10 minutes after us, even though one of 'em had an ortlieb frontroller as a handbag, which is normally a sign of common sense.
It was hipster-tastic - some astonishing hair, and red trousers with braces. Also had a complete out of context error triple take moment as one of 'my' teachers and I worked out who the familiar face over there was....
Then some extended faffery with sound stuff and on came the band. Turns out the support is also in the band. The lighting disconcerted the lead singer somewhat until the lighting guy woke up and heard her asking for a spot to get turned down. She also commented on the stage in Fibbers feeling a little zoo-like.... apparently the band is comprised of a penguin on bass, a scorpion on violin/backing vocal/other stuff, I can't remember what he decided he was on drums and a bobcat singer. They made me smile. There was a couple there who had emailed a request for Galaxies, since they'd used it for their wedding dance. I experienced a sense of distinct disappointment that the audience didn't drift to the edges for them to reprise their performance when it was played. The tallest men in the venue were nearby, and their almost as tall friend joined them and stood right in from of me. But then their shortarse mate joined them and their protecting of her view meant that I got to actually see over her shoulder, which was nice for me. I'd picked this gig out ages ago without listening to her at all on the basis of a cub-free night and a spotify recommendation before forming the view that fibbers and me don't really click, and nearly didn't bother.... but I'm really rather glad I went. She's a bit good. And the tips on sewing and assorted handicrafts from the bassist were well worth the entry alone
Apparently he is currently sewing a Ozzy Osbourne/Wolfman doll for Ms Veirs' 6 month-old son, who was hopefully napping in a "oh-no-it-isn't-a-premier-inn-is-it-that's-a-pisser-I-like-them-much-better-than-travelodges" with the band's babysitter during the show. A story that made me recall that when my eldest was 6 months old I found it a big enough achievement brushing my hair and teeth within the same 24 hour period, never mind taking him on tour and turning up, coiffed and pearly-toothed, to put on a show that even Fibbers couldn't make sound bad.
Recommend.
