Far Caspian are a pretty solid choice to support on the “Infinite Jangle” tour. Leeds-based Irishman Joel Johnston and band have a good amount of jangle amidst their second-wave emo sheen. But with three guitarists, they can also make a racket when they want, helped by Johnston’s overblown fuzz pedal. Closer, ‘Finding My Way Home’, makes for what is probably the heaviest moment of the whole evening in its final minute or so.
You’d think the hi-vis disguises the band use to act as their own roadies wouldn’t fool anyone, but most in the not-quite-full Garage Attic (“G2”) either don’t notice, or don’t pay it any mind. Though that may be testament to the unassuming nature of this band and the serene indie-rock they deploy.
Opening with a trio of songs from their latest album, Daniel, the hazy lo-fi of their earlier days is polished to a finely melodic shine. Frontman Martin Courtney’s choice of acoustic over electric guitar for the new ones underlines the feint towards country, but there’s also a clear incorporation of pop hooks on some of the bubbliest songs the band have ever made, like the twin earworms ‘Water Underground’ and ‘Haunted World.’ But one aspect remains regardless of whether it’s new tunes or old favourites (an early ‘Green Aisles’ is a highlight), and that’s guitarist Julian Lynch’s proclivity to throw in a vamping, scene-stealing solo.
Courtney’s voice isn’t known for its power, but even as it glides atop the smooth arrangements tonight, it feels a little worn out. This is the last night of a short, but intense European tour (11 shows in 13 days across 8 countries) and the band can’t be blamed for a little fatigue. But they give it a good shot, and the music is uniformly breezy and soothing, without ever really kicking into high gear.
Matt Kallman is relegated to near darkness with his keyboard, while Alex Bleeker (bass) and Sammi Niss (drums) keep the rhythms moving at a solid clip, Bleeker occasionally stepping out with a little extra bite and twang, though his lead vocal highlight from the new album, ‘Victoria’, is sadly missing. Lynch amps up the dissonance of ‘Half a Human’ and dials in some choppy fretwork on the main set closer, ‘Had to Hear.’
‘It’s Real’ and ‘Municipality’, a pair from their breakthrough 2011 album, Days, make up the encore and complete the night on a warm, nostalgic note. Like much of the evening, it comes and goes without fanfare, but there’s joy in simplicity and Real Estate are one of the best at recognising this.
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