Alessi’s Christmas Cracker – The Luminaire, London 10/12/09

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Upon arrival at the Luminaire, my ears are greeted by a man singing about Richard Madley. He later goes on to perform a delightful ditty about Susan from Neighbours being a real-life lesbian and Karl Kennedy being a midget. (If only). Not exactly your usual warm-up fodder, but when done well, comedy songs are always a crowd pleaser, and Matt Tiller certainly gets a warm reception from the handful or so that’ve gathered for the festivities early doors.

Next Christmas cracker up is Jake Bellows, aka Neva Dinova. Beginning his set solo, he’s later joined by the Ark, including a rather competent stint by Alessi on drums. His swooning folk starts the evening off nicely, despite Jake seeming rather tentative, about the whole affair, but the set is endearing if somewhat under-rehearsed. The crowd are on his side though, and still clap even when he forgets the words to Yellow Datsun and abandons it halfway through.

After a brief interlude, Treetop Flyers take to the stage, bemoaning the fact that everyone is sitting cross-legged on the floor – but what would you expect at an Alessi show.

Their country-tinged melodies and wholesome harmonies bring a revered hush over the assembled folk kids, and lead singer Reid Morrison has one of those voices you can truly believe in, despite sounding a little bit like Paulo Nutini. ‘Is It All Worth It?’ is sincere and heart-felt tunes with gorgeous vocals and a poignant mood, contrasted with the more uplifting Eagles inspired ‘It’s About Time’. Treetop Flyers are definitely ones to watch for the new year, delivering an exquisite set which could easily have headlined the evening.

But of course, this job goes to our hostess with the mostess, Ms Alessi. This evening’s performance is perhaps not the most linear set every, but charming and endearing nonetheless. There’s a special guest interlude provided by one of Alessi’s heros Robyn Hitchock. In his inimitable style he delivers a rather bizarre tale about a man who lives a very sheltered life, and a half woman half bee, which inevitably ends in tragedy with a sting it it’s tale. Boom-tsh. After a number with Alessi, the rest of the Ark return to duty, and the set swings nicely between band and solo numbers.

Alessi debuts her new EP in its entirety, and the new songs have a darker, perhaps more reflective feel, but still come from the same unmistakable Tree House.

So presents swapped and Christmas cheers exchanged, the Christmas Cracker comes to an end a little after 11pm in a lovely Christmassy fashion with Alessi gently but firmly sending us all off home to bed . No cheesy Christmas song covers in sight, but a festive evening with good music, banter, and more warming than a mince pie and mulled wine.

Photos by Anika Mottershaw