Monday, April 16, 2007

Show Review: Camera Obscura @ De Balie, April 15th

Last night's show was planned at Paradiso, but for logistical purposes was moved to the nearby "De Balie". Definitely not a bad decision, because this venue -normally used as a theatre- perfectly suited the intimacy of Camera Obscura's show.

I really didn't have any expectations from the show, but I was pretty impressed. I can't really put my finger on what it is, but there's something about this band. Sure...one could argue that nothing happens on stage. The band just stands there performing some songs. The only member who shows some energy is the multinstrumentalist who played percussion, trumpet and at times guitar. I cant disagree with that, however, I argue that this stage presence complements the bands sound and style perfectly. Singer Tracyanne Campbell is the absolute star of the band. With a voice to die for she grabs your attention, almost like putting a spell on you. She made the slower songs sound so vulnerable and delicate that there was almost complete silence in the audience. A sight not often seen or heard at a show and it was beautiful. The faster songs sounded tight and more powerful than on record. Camera Obscura is definitely a band whose live show adds elements to their records. In fact, while travelling to work this morning, I played the albums Let's Get Out Of This Country and Underachievers, Please Try Harder and it's like I appreciate the band more...I get songs I didn't use to "get". It's definitely a plus to have these positive associations from the live experience!

Conclusion: definitely a great show. Intimate, fun and dreamy. As an encore the band played a decent cover of Abba's Super Trooper. Not bad. Not bad at all.

The band just released their fourth single (Tears For Affairs) of the album. Below you'll find all four video's from the Let's Get Out Of This Country album. Enjoy!

Video: Camera Obscura - Tears For Affairs


Video: Camera Obscura - Let's Get Out Of This Country


Video: Camera Obscura - If Looks Could Kill


Video: Camera Obscura - Hey Loyd, I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken

1 comment:

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