Gig Review: Rough Comforts

A little gig review I wrote for university...

Rough Comforts at The Lifeboat, Margate 19/12/12

Kent-based singer-songwriter wins over a home crowd with his heartbreakingly beautiful songs.

“Should I just start now?” asks Rough Comforts (real name James Mathew Davies), the singer-songwriter from Kent, who’s as polite as he is shy. It may seem strange for a man who’s been making music for over 15 years - from post-punk collective Babies Three to folk-pop outfit Elle Rayenne. Though understandable considering his current venture sees him stepping away from the drums and in front of the mic; guitar in hand.

The gig kicks off with a cover of Grizzly Bear’s ‘Deep Blue Sea’. Immediately the crowd is divided into established fans and those who are more interested in the local ales. The additional setback of playing without a PA system contributes to the initial disconnect of the audience.

After an underwhelming start, Davies nervously follows up with ‘Negative Capability’, from his 2010 debut album, Self-Titled. It’s the first time his seamless falsettos feature and are charming to the point that even the line, “like pissing dogs” sounds strangely sublime. His musicality bears a similarity to that of Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon. Throughout the song they build to a crescendo, which sets up a punch served by the anthemic final chorus. At this point, a few more people start to take notice. It begs the question as to why this wasn’t the obvious choice to open the set with. 

In between songs Davies is constantly self-deprecating and eager to please. In an attempt to keep the audience on his side (“I don’t want to bore you with depressing songs”), he lets them decide between two Prince covers. ‘The Most Beautiful Girl In The World’ shows off his faultless vocal range and despite being an odd choice, people respond even more.

With the set in full swing, Davies is finally hitting his stride. He continues with ‘Too Afraid To Ask’ and ‘Warmer Place’, both fresh from his recent EP release, Heavy On My Mind. The depth and brutal honesty of these songs in particular may explain for his retiring on-stage demeanour. However, he completely loses himself whilst performing. Even in his awkward moments, Davies manages to execute with brilliance.

He keeps the fans sweet by proceeding onto ‘Deliver’ - arguably the most successful song in his repertoire. In moments, the dulcet tones of Davies are made even more poignant during the melancholic breakdowns. Not unlike the wavering coos of Thom Yorke, albeit a slightly toned down version.

Despite receiving his loudest applause yet, Davies is uncertain whether to carry on, asking whether he should “do one more or just stop?” Finally, he settles for ‘Petit Mort’ where for the last time, he shows the sheer vulnerability of his songs. “Your tears and pain they know my name, place your lonely hand in mine.” As Davies plays the final few chords of his set, he looks up to find a notably larger audience, erupting in applause. It seems as though Rough Comforts may need to get used to this. 

If you're not busy...

Head to the Turner Contemporary in Margate, Kent to see Nothing In The World But Youth. The exhibition is inspired by the seaside town of Margate and looks at differing views of the youth in society, since the end of the 19th century. My favourite part of the exhibition are the pictures showing local people in their youth and how they are today.

Nothing In The World But Youth is showing until January 8th, 2012.

Moshi Moshi presents

It's almost stupid to think that using the beautiful seaside attraction of Margate (and the Turner Contemporary) as a backdrop to live music hasn't been thought of before. Last night was home to the wonderful Tom Williams and the Boat, Psychologist and Slow Club, as part of a showcase from London-based label Moshi Moshi.

First was Tom Williams and the Boat, a 6-piece hailing from Tunbridge Wells. Before introducing a song, Williams jokes how a review of a recent gig stated that "there were 2 really angry songs and the rest were limp, country songs." Having seen the band twice, (in a week) it's very much evident that there is nothing limp about their songs and their execution. The opening guitar on Get Older sets up a punch served by the foot-tapping interludes between Williams' dark, strong vocals, whilst stand-out song 90mph presents a beautiful amalgamation of guitars, drums and saxophone.

Tom Williams and the Boat official site

Before Psychologist even approaches the stage, the dark, ominous tones of the music has already started. Without a single word sung, the audience's attention is already caught. As the set is in full swing, Iain Woods is almost caught in a trance, throwing himself around the stage - his moves captivating the audience. Though Psychologist isn't a case of style over substance - this guy can sing. Woods' powerful vocals only add to the chilling violins, as supplied by Maddie Rix and Emma Goldie and make for an intense live performance.

Official facebook for Psychologist

Finally, the night ends with a set from Sheffield 2-piece, Slow Club. Not wanting to waste time, the duo launches straight into the unapologetically catchy Where I'm Waking - fresh from the band's second album, Paradise. With the exception of Our Most Brilliant Friends, the set consists of mostly new songs but didn't disappoint in supplying the crowd with heartfelt lyrics, accompanied by punchy riffs and laced with faultless harmonies that Slow Club are loved for. A new addition of a saxophone/bass player and drummer, as well as Rebecca switching from guitar to drums and back again makes the live set-up even more worthwhile. As their  first release of their new album, Two Cousins draws to a close, the crowd erupts in applause. Charles and Rebecca, endearingly unaware, jump off stage in search for a local nightclub. A gig worth making the 2 hour 30 minute journey back home for.

Slow Club official site