Jens Lekman – The Luminaire, London 11/12/07

A solo Jens Lekman show is always going to have a certain appeal, especially at a club so tiny as The Luminaire. Intimacy is what Jens does best after all and was obviously in his comfort zone as he performed a sterling greatest hits set last night. More on that later though. First up on the triple bill were The Fischers, a four piece from Blackburn. As you can usually expect from young bands from the north of England their music was filled with cynicism and a certain wit. Unfortunately though they failed to deliver the goods, and ended up sounding like a third rate Cast. Hardly inspiring stuff.

The Clientele’s latest album, God Save The Clientele has been a mainstay on my ipod now for almost a year. So needless to say I was looking forward to finally catching them live, especially as I only found out they playing two hours before the show. The smooth production, and wistful sixties psych-pop transfers flawlessly in a live setting. Alasdair Maclean’s vocal as Lennon-esque and inviting as it is on record. They are never going to blow you away live, the music is far too gentile for that. They were a welcome addition to the bill though, and a perfect hors d’oeuvre before the main event.

After a brief tour supporting Josh Rouse, Jens seems pretty happy to be playing his own show to his own people. After talking to a few fans beforehand it transpired that his set a few days before at Shepherds Bush Empire was spoiled slightly by talking audience members. Rude bastards. There’s none of that tonight though. As soon as a lone Jens appears on stage (albeit 20 minutes late) and begins “Into Eternity” from his current record Night Falls Over Kortedala you could literally hear a pin drop. The tropicala flavour of the song stripped back to reveal a heart and soul not necessarily found on the album version. After all, it was the only track on the album that didn’t sit quite right with me when I reviewed it back in September. Needless to say, Jens’ vocal is faultless. His dry Swedish croon washing over the audience, causing each and every member to raise a smile.

During “Sipping On The Sweet Nectar” Jens is joined by his drummer Tammy who slipped on stage half way through to add a spot of conga and tambourine to the mix. Following on with “Postcard To Nina”, which was always going to be a highlight for me. It’s perhaps one of my favourite songs from the past few years and tonight it’s extra special. In a prolonged introduction, Jens tells the tale of how the song came about. His German penpal Nina invites an unknowing Jens to dinner, only to tell him at the door of her parents that he is to pose as her fiance to cover up the fact that she is to flee the country with her lesbian lover. Needless to say it’s as charming and endearing as Jens gets.

Apparently, Jens has a handwritten note in each of his pockets. One which says “I’m not bitter” or something of that ilk. He explains that he couldn’t afford to bring his band over for the show due to being totally broke. Apparently, Josh Rouse doesn’t pay too good for his support acts. Hence the note. In the other pocket reads a note “everyday, do something that scares you”. Which led to him pulling “Psychogirl” out of his song cannon for apparently the first time in two years. Jens tells us, despite the songs lyrics, it’s a difficult song for him to sing emotionally. Although, he told us that if we wanted to laugh we could. How could you not when he delivers the line “stop following me psychogirl. I have enough problems to deal with on my own” in such dead pan.

“Shirin” and “I’m Leaving You, Because I Don’t Love You” end the set, with Jens creating his own barbershop quartet harmonies via his foot pedal. Apparently, when he is rich enough he’s going to employ a real life group. Not just for concerts either. Just to, you know, follow him around. “I’m Leaving You” is ignited with the voice of El Perro Del Mar via Tammy’s ipod. He can’t afford a satellite link just yet.

The songs everyone wants to hear are held back until the encore. “Black Cab” and “Julie” are welcomed like old friends, whilst “Pocket Full Of Money” is greeted with the audience inviting themselves to be Jens’ backing band. He was so impressed with the whistling skills of the audience that he asked the soundman to record them. You never know, maybe we’ll show up on his next record. Either way, it was a great end to a wonderful performance. Jens seemingly bowled over by the adulation, not knowing where to look as the applause sustained as he nervously sipped at his water. It looked as though he wanted to continue too, but midnight was looming large and the original curfew was long gone. Jens slipped off the stage leaving a crowd totally spell bound and totally loved up. Without doubt, one of the best shows of 2007. Genius.

See more photos from the evening here.

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