Au Revoir Simone, Tinker Jack, Amy and the Integrals.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 20th July 2009.

Reviewed by Martin Stapleton / Pictures by Simone Scott Warren.

What is the link between The Rakes, Bloc Party and AU REVOIR SIMONE? Well, they have all, at one time, been under the auspices of leading indie label Moshi Moshi (ARS are still signed to them) and, after tonight, all three have headlined here. Although we have only just passed the half-way mark this year, it will take one hell of a gig to top tonight. Even on a miserable Monday, not normally a popular evening for music here, there is a good turnout even though the gig was only announced some two weeks ago.

From Brooklyn, Au Revoir Simone are three keyboard players, namely Annie Hart, Erika Foster and Heather D'Angelo. Throughout the set they interact superbly with what was an enchanted audience. Their native New York dialect is whispered soft and oh so quietly. Not for them the 'Cyndi Lauper gum chewing twang'! As they greet us they announce that they have heard so much about Bedford Esquires and have been dying to play here. Much of their featured set centres on the trio's new album "Still Night Still Light". Critically acclaimed, The Observer said it was "beautiful, haunting creature and a poignant testament to the power of simplicity.". High praise indeed but fully justified.





It's hard to fully describe just how good a live show this was when, basically, all the girls do is just stand and tap their keyboards and angelically sing. No over the top histrionics ala Americans Les Savy Fav or Fucked Up. A bass guitar does make a rare appearance and the girls do move around occasionally, but it is electro-pop without any gimmicks (thankyou Metronomy). New single "Shadows", complete with a pulsing intro, the sound of which seems to dart around the room, impresses. My favourite, however, is "Knight of Wands". Gorgeous, starting with what seems like a church organ sound, breaking into happy clapping before the vocals take over the mind-set. The lyrics are spellbindingly "Oh joy, I can see you, it's all I want".

The girls appear incredibly happy to be here, despite it being past 10pm and with the knowledge that they are on the George Lamb show tomorrow morning on 6 Music. Even with this pressing engagement (which you can watch here (http://www.bbc.co.uk/6music/events/hub/artists/aurevoirsimone.shtml), Au Revoir Simone don't rush, just take their time to give everyone full value. Dipping into their back catalogue is "Through the Backyards" from their "Bird of Music" album, plus their single of 2007 "Sad Song" which the crowd loved. The willowy Americans apologise profusely that they are not able to perform "Stars", but such is the enjoyment and reaction that they have received that they do return for an encore which they concede was not planned. Loud applause rings out at the close and deservedly so. Despite the hectic travelling arrangements tomorrow, the girls show up at the end for autographs, photos and a chat. I just wish more bands were so nice, polite and accessible. Au revoir, Au Revoir Simone. I keep my fingers crossed for a return visit sometime.

The Au Revoir Simone set list was as follows:
• All or Nothing, • Sad Song, • Another Likely Story, • Anywhere you Looked, • Shadows, • Stay Golden, • Through the Backyards of our Neighbours, • Take me as I am, • Trace a Line, • Tell Me, • Knight of Wands, • Dark Halls.

Strong local support came, firstly, from Amy And The Integrals. They took this, their most high profile Esquires slot to date, in their consummate stride. As did Tinker Jack who's maturity continues. The perfect appetizer to the main course this evening. All bands owe sound engineers Caz and Emily a big word of thanks as their ethereal sounds came out so clearly.