Black Box Recorder / Madam

In a pop idol- star - voyeuristic infused music world there's always got to be a welcoming hug for Luke Haines and his world weary cynical outlook. Whilst that may not sound like the best introduction in the world I feel it's apt as Mr Haines and crew present a breath of fresh air that would provide enough oxygen for a local hospital; one that would care primarily for cynics obviously.

The band - Luke Haines, former Jesus and Mary Chain drummer John Moore and vocalist Sarah Nixey (the latter two having got married and divorced hence perfect for this band) - are in fine fettle. Luke is sort of back via his critically acclaimed book 'Bad Vibes - Britpop and my part in its downfall' and reviews suggest that it may prove to be a definitive guide to the pre and post Britpop era.I would reckon on giving it a go especially as it comes from a less commercially successful perspective that, say, Oasis or Blur, the usual suspects in such retrospectives.

Luke was the main man in the Auteurs who started all level in the race with such groups but came way down the field in terms of commercial sucess once everyone moved on to the next big thing.Still, it allowed him to branch off into side projects like Black Box Recorder which brings us neatly to the second of 2 sell out shows at the snug but rather wonderful Luminaire in Kilburn.



Firstly though a quick mention for the support act, Madam. Normally a five piece band here we have a stripped down twosome with a very effective acoustic guitar and cello presentation. It's a bit reminiscent of cult tv series 'Twin Peaks' at times but this is no bad thing. The plaintive "I've spent so long without you" garnishes a very respectful admonishment from the audience and whatever you think it still takes a lot of balls to go out in front of a crowd with only an acoustic backing as your defence. They plug the new album 'In Case of Emergency' and enjoy an underplayed rapport with all within the building and they do just fine.

So, back to Black Box Recorder. The stage is adorned with a back drop of 'Rock and roll not dole' and this is an appropriate band for the recession credit crunching times. I don't expect a typical rock and roll gig and to be fair I don't get one. Tonight they're a five piece with the classic vocals, two guitars, bass, and drums line-up, but this isn't the Rolling Stones. Luke takes the stage in a bootlace tie and looks like he's come from the set of a film crew making a western in Kilburn. Unlikely, but you may be tempted to go and see such a movie.



Sarah (vocals) looks fantastic and very much fulfils all femme fatalle characteristics. They all look like they're out for a good time but you can't fail within the confines of the Luminaire. They launch into a few smart tunes like 'Wonderful Life' and 'British Racing Green' and remind everyone that it's pancake night which gets a huge cheer. There's a quick pre-apology for some accapella singing but the following 'Straight Life' needs no such comment.

The lyrics of the songs demand to be listened to, examined, laughed at and admired in equal amounts.This is perfectly summed up by the refrain from the superb 'Child Psychology' with it's "Life is unfair, kill yourself or get over it" hook line. There's also a bit of Arab Strap in the spoken word section and also a slightly cinematic feel created. Next up is 'Girl singing in the Wreckage' which has a great pop sensibilty and you start to realise that BBR are the sort of band that Morrissey might front if (or when) he has a sex change operation. 'The Facts of Life' and 'Factory Radio' follow and are snappy pop songs that don't outstay their welcome which is good to see in this day and age when so many bands take a song and make it last longer than the London Marathon.

'I see one female' features a three vocal assault of the chorus of "I still love you, I bloody well love you", and 'Brutality' rocks along nicely as the title implies. There's a couple of new songs, one of which 'Do you believe in God?' mentions "euthanasia when your time is up" so it's straight to the jugular territory once more. There is a Black Box theme of taking two songs and chucking them together to see what happens and for the most part this works well. This is typified by 'England MKade Me'which is as near to a wig out as we get tonight.



After a brief rest the band are back to encore with 'Ideal Home' and 'The Art of Driving' which is described as a pre-divorce song for any of the 'Heat' fans out there. Finally a storming "Lord Lucan Is Missing" ties everything up appropriately and you get the feeling that the Lord might make a reappearance on a future duet.

If you look up a description of the famous aeroplane black box you'll find descriptions of accident investigation, analysing safety issues and engine performance and the fact that the device is constructed to withstand the force of a high speed impact and the heat of an intense fire. Well, BBR bypassed any accident scenarios, didn't play safe, got that engine purring nicely and gave the Kilburn faithful a sparkling evening. the boxes are Orange by the way for easy detection so here's to the call for Orange Box Recorder in the not too distant future. Welcome back Luke.

FUTURE GIGS

sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.