I've never really gotten into Noah and the Whale, even though I love folk music. They just cross my folk-boundary. But seeing them live at Somerset House on Saturday completely changed my mind. I now love them. Love them. And the folk-indie scene is always such a small world as I discovered (thanks to good ol' Wiki) that they're friends with Laura Marling and Johnny Flynn, whom I'm a fan of.
Aside from anything else, Somerset House, located only a stone's throw away from my office, is a fantastic summer venue. During these months, the courtyard is transformed into a mini festival-like stage and yes, even an outdoor cinema. People bring blankets and pillows along and it's a nice little hidden escape from the city - without ever really leaving the city. And as I was saying to John while we were there, I generally like the vibe and atmosphere of outdoor shows more - everyone is a little more relaxed, happy and a little less aggro.
Villagers opened for Noah and the Whale (though there was only one Villager, as Conor J. O'Brien's bandmates had apparently other obligations - weird). Without the band it was ... quite bland. I almost nodded off into my bottle of Orange Tango. But when the main act took the stage, they owned it - which isn't difficult to do when you have a trumpet, trombone, violin, three backing singers, three guitarists and a drummer. I loved how many middle-aged couples and children were present, which highlighted the band's vast appeal. They played quite a few songs from their first album (which I am running out to get as we speak) and their second (which John owns and I'm more familiar with) and ended with one from their upcoming release, called L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N., (which took me FOREVER to spell and figure out in my head, by the way, as I'm a little developmentally delayed) which I predict to be a big hit across the pond as well, since it's very poppy and catchy - a slightly disappointing but understandable move from their more folky roots.
All in all, it was a fabulous show and I couldn't have thought of a better way to spend a warm Saturday night in July. What topped off the night perfectly, however, was our 11:00 p.m. stop at McDonald's on the way home for a McFlurry - which I dipped my portion of small fries into, to John's disgust.
If you haven't heard Noah and the Whale yet (I'm sure you know this song though ...), here's a little tune to start you off with:
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