King Creosote with Emma Pollock - Manchester Academy 10/10/2007

My current gig frenzy continues. First up is Emma Pollock, one time singer with The Delgados and co-founder of Chemikal Underground records. I’m ashamed to admit that The Delgados have been on my “must get round to” list forever. On the strength of this performance, they’re now on my “buy everything they ever did” list just after Pollock’s solo album.

First encountered KC on a Rough Trade compilation and fell head over heels. Each new encounter leaves me wishing more and more that I was him. Writing simple, beautiful songs with smart lyrics, sometimes leaking just enough acid to let you know he’s not as “cosy” as you might imagine.

I was expecting quiet. Gentle acoustic guitar, soft vocals, a slight backing to fill in the gap, intimate sort of gig.

What I got was a completely in your face rock band. Guitarist “The pictish trail” clearly brought up on the same Pixies and Sonic Youth albums I was, added a dimension to
the sound not realy apparent from the albums.

KC hasn’t turned into a rock monster or antyhing. He apologised for missing a signing session at Piccadilly records and seemed genuinely upset at disappointing the people who turned up. There were self-deprecating digs at the bass player for having a “music qualification” but i doubt anyone leaving tonight felt they’d watched a bunch of amateurs

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