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André Paine's rating
Symphonic rock and fancy dress
By
André Paine
4 Sep 2007
With fans dressed in Jesus robes and a town crier introducing them, The Polyphonic Spree seemed to be encouraging a synergy of choral symphonic rock and fancy dress at the Astoria.
Even the audience members who didn't look ridiculous were clearly devout followers of frontman Tim DeLaughter (pronounced like "slaughter"), who was part arm-waving cult leader and part Bowie wannabe.
In fact, Bowie is a fan and Hold Me Now sounded like the Thin White Duke in his pomp.
What's unique about the Dallas band, though, is they had 22 members on stage, including a string section, two drummers, brass section and harpist, a level of over-staffing that must make touring prohibitive. DeLaughter actually urged us to buy merchandise during one of several speeches, just to keep him in business.
Nothing could quite prepare you for the sonic blast from all those bodies. But while The Fragile Army, the title track from the new album, had some of the greatness of Arcade Fire, sections of the two-hour set were as shapeless as the robes they wore for the second half.
After a brief interval, DeLaughter and his disciples pressed the flesh, climbing through the exultant crowd and then covering Nirvana's Lithium.
"Don't you ever forget about this band," he demanded as they cheered.
But while it was certainly unforgettable, ultimately the theatrics overpowered the performance.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (4)
I love their 3 albums but this was the first time I'd seen them live. I have to say their energy and presence is incredible. At times the music was majestic and at times it was messy (too many instruments too loud in the mix?) but I'll never forget when they came out in their white robes for the encore. Brilliant. There is no band quite like them so check them out.
- Anthony, Kent, 05/09/2007 22:12
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That was the most brilliant, passionate show I have ever seen.
It absolutely blew my mind.
- Jason Smithe, London, UK, 05/09/2007 10:33
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A band you have to see to believe and one you have to believe in to see. Superb. Imaginative, uplifting and as complete an assault to the senses as anyone can muster. Comparisons with Arcade Fire are both fitting and flattering but slightly miss the point - Spree were there first with their polyphonic blast of multiple instruments and voices, a whirling dervish of sound. Actually the genetic line for this performance goes further back into DeLaughter’s past and his Tripping Daisy years.
You get you money's worth with this lot, you really do, and the costs of travelling down from 'oop-noorth' and the slight annoyance of the tube trains faded away with the opening tracks. By the end of the set I couldn’t care less about the long trip home. Now I can't wait until the next time they perform in the UK and I, for one, will be there at the front again getting my far too-infrequent Spree jab.
10 out of 10.
- Mark, Liverpool, UK, 04/09/2007 16:41
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I would certainly have to disagree I'm afraid.
This was one of the moments which you shared with them. As Tim DeLaughter stated himself in one of his "many" addresses to the audience, we are sharing a moment. Communily. For some of us we have waited two years to embrace the sun, and this performance certainly did not disappoint.
The Polyphonic Spree left you baiting for more hanging off their every song, meandering through their three albums. With beaming energy bursting through each and everyone of them.
DeLaughter's performance reflected a passion. A passion for his five bands, and a passion for his audience. A burst of happiness and energy which kept me optimistic through the lengthy journey through the suspended strike ridden tubes.
One of the best performances I have seen in a long time. Just don't stay away too long.
- Lucy Davenport, London, 04/09/2007 14:54
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