Tindersticks – Union Chapel, London 16/12/08

There is something rather odd about going to see a Tindersticks Christmas show. Walking in to the Union Chapel, lit beautifully by flickering candlelight and bedecked with Christmas trees things are looking decidedly festive. Hell, the band even seem to find the concept quite strange, as they joked with the audience during the encore that they don’t really have too many Christmas songs.

Yet somehow, tonight was a celebration – the band ripping through crowd pleasing versions of favourites like ‘Her’ and the Motown lite of ‘Boobar’. Staples even found time to pay tribute to Townes Van Zandt, who he had seen at the Union Chapel years before. Looking comfortable in their magnificent surroundings, the band laughed and joked with each other throughout out the show. While crowd interaction was kept to a minimum save for thanking the audience in the end, the smile on Staples’ face throughout the set was one that spoke volumes. His band was on song, and the sound they created truly enchanted the audience at this intimate show.

With the subtle light show heightening emotions, and a venue taylor made for their cinematic noir stylings it was clear that Tindersticks are back on top of their game, and as we stepped back out in to the cold North London air, Tindersticks must be a true contender for Show of the Year - even at this late stage of the year.