Spoon - Shepherd's Bush Empire, London 07/11/14

11 November 2014, 17:30 | Written by Amelia Maher

(Live)

(Spoon)

There are some bands that manage to reach out to generation after generation with their music as it surpasses trend after trend. Spoon are one of those bands who have managed to face the scruples of a 20 year career and come out at the other end stronger, and arguably better. Tonight they perform the show that the hardcore fans that have followed them through the years will love and revel in, but, at times, it's not enough for anyone else.

They thunder onstage with “Rainy Taxi” and “Rent I Pay”, both taken from the album They Want My Soul, released earlier this year to rapturous critical acclaim. Britt Daniel has the poise of a fellow who knows what he’s doing, with a true stage presence that has honed and defined over many years. Although at times the songs feel safe in their delivery, there’s still the undeniable presence of a band that have a real professional sheen to their live performance.

There is one major issue though, and to be fair, this big problem is by no means Spoon's fault. However, there is simply no way to get around that the fact that the show is unfortunately greatly tarnished by sloppy sound. The bass is up so high that it completely washes over everything else that is happening; the vocals get lost in the mix and all the energy of their catchy signature sound doesn't translate in the way that it absolutely deserves to.

But if you can get past the shoddy sonics, there are moments where the magic is still present. Old favourites “The Way We Get By” and “I Turn My Camera On” are welcomed with open arms by every member of the audience, and the surge of energy returns to the forefront. The response is euphoric and brings the attention back to the songs and means you almost, almost forget about the terrible acoustics. “The Underdog” also proves to be another high point, where maracas are brought into the equation, and the whole song builds to a euphoric climax that brings a warmth and excitement through Jim Eno's powerful drumming and Daniel's demanding stage presence and impressive swagger.

Yet, for all their professionalism and the strength of their bigger numbers, the show does not flow consistently. It jolts and judders between exciting highs and extensive periods of being just an ok guitar band. When the guitar riffs and drums provide power and drive the performance onwards with songs such as “Do You” and “Don't Make Me A Target”, it really demonstrates their sheer velocity and skill. But this velocity is not sustained, and there is an awkward moment when more members of the audience seem to be talking to one another than actually paying attention to what is going on up on stage.

It feels a bit like we're at a show from the late 90s/early '00's, as Daniel retains his 'indie-rock frontman' composure throughout and doesn't let it lie. They are very much a band of their time, and that's fine for the fans that want that, but for the new fans that they have picked up from this year's fantastic album and the many that we will be seeing the band for the first time, this show falls just short of doing them justice.