Grizzly Bear / Perfume Genius, Cambridge Junction Tue 28 Aug 2012

Perfume Genius (Seattle based Mike Hadreas), looks a fragile chap. Well its early evening and first onto a cold stage layered in dry ice (not sure why they always have the dry ice machine on so early at the Junction) so I guess anyone would be a touch wary.  

As soon a Mike starts singing though, we know we are in for something special. A honey dripped voiced with minimal backing, the songs take on an almost ethereal feel. The band as such, is keyboards and drums but the set is varied between that and Mike, solo.

Chat is limited and the really fragile quiet moments do at times threaten to get overwhelmed by the bar noise but nevertheless, a very nice set. Keep your eyes on this young man.

First show in two years for Brooklyn-based Grizzly Bear shows little signs of rustiness. The ninety minute set is a total triumph with the new songs mixing effortlessly with the better known.

The chemistry is still there and the musicianship has not been lost. The band just seem to live and breathe the songs, however complex the arrangements are, when they are on stage. By the time ‘Shields’ is released in just less than three weeks time, the songs will already be old favourites.

The ninety minutes slips effortlessly by. I am sure as the tour progresses there will be video backdrops and cool lighting but for now the Prince’s of Indie, Edward Droste, Daniel Rossen,, Chris Taylor, (always a joy to watch) and drummer Christopher Bear  are about to become Kings.

Pete

Set List

Speak in Rounds

Cheerleader

Sleeping Ute

Yet Again

Little Brother (Electric)

Shift

Two Weeks

Fine For Now

gun-shy

Ready, Able

A Simple Answer

Foreground

Half Gate

While You Wait For The Others

Encore:

He Hit Me (It Felt Like A Kiss)

(The Crystals cover)

On A Neck, On a Spit