New Zealander James Milne delivers an album chock full of inventive pop arrangement served up with witty gusto and a winning confidence in his own ability.
Okkervil River
Okkervil River – O2 Academy, Oxford 11/09/09
Andrew Grillo gets a chance to see the Okkervil River live show, but is left wondering if they’re perhaps a little too polished in a live setting.
Okkervil River – The Stand Ins
Will Sheff and co. continue their depiction of the life and loves of a set of musicians and their adherents and hangers-on, with a lyrical and emotional literacy that feed the head as well as the heart.
Shearwater – Rough Trade East, London 19/09/08
Road trip! Well, across London anyway for a second helping of the wondrous Shearwater in as many nights. You can’t have too much of a good thing.
Shearwater w/ Constantines – Bush Hall, London 16/09/08
Shearwater leave a crowd drop-jawed and transfixed by a stunning set to confirm their status as album of the year contenders.
Okkervil River – Marquis Theater, Denver, CO, 13/09/07
Okkervil River holds a very special place in my heart as they were the first indie band that I fell in love with. Obviously late to the party, I didn’t get involved in indie music until 2005. Okkervil River’s Black Sheep Boy absolutely blew me away, and I have been in awe of them ever [...]
