29 October 2014 (gig)
08 November 2014
The Handsome Family have gone about the business of writing and performing their music for a long time now. Over 20 years or so they’ve done things their way and despite being name checked by the likes of Ringo Starr, they remain, possibly even define, a cult band. However, this sold out concert in Islington is proof that the band are hitting the right spots with a lot of people.
After difficulties with the stage curtains The Handsomes (Brett and Rennie Sparks) stroll on stage and regale us with a bizarre story about seal rescues before they go into Weightless Again, setting the pattern for the night: affectionate sparring and banter between the couple, maybe a short story and then into the song.
Their uncluttered alt-country is imbued the blues with flecks of darkness that with Brett Sparks rich baritone combine to (un)comfortably draw you into their world of murder, drugs, Christmas and octopus. David Coulter and his saw join the Sparks for the theme to the True Detective TV show, and Passenger Pigeons, a lament to their extinction.
Shouts of ‘I love you’ from the audience pepper the set and gratefully accepted by the band, as they continue their journey through the darker side of the American Dream. The description American Gothic has been used to describe The Handsomes music and it may be so. The music from this slightly eccentric couple is at times disquieting but blended with a gallows humour tonight it was intoxicating.
Photo courtesy of John P Heyes
