Low: A Christmas Concert
By: Various Scribes
Date: 19/11/08
Venue: Koko, Mornington Crescent, London
Support: Ida
Tickets: £17.50 face value, available HERE.
Why is this worthy of my time and money?: A Christmas concert brings to mind a toasty atmosphere, the clinking of glasses of sherry and port perhaps, and a weird old man dressed as Santa prancing around force feeding cheer and good will to all men.
You maybe don't think of Low, the icy noir trio, whose lead singer threw his guitar at audience members during their performance at End of the Road festival earlier this year - clearly not a jolly man on that day.
So, it may surprise you to learn that they have released a Christmas album, aptly titled Low Christmas. What's more, their cover of 'Little Drummer Boy' appeared in a GAP advert, which makes this event all the more exciting and intriguing. And somewhat baffling.
Low have been refining their unique sound since the mid 90's and have been an influential part of the American alternative indie scene. The striking vocal harmonies of Alan Sparhawk and wife Mimi Parker (fun fact: they are both Mormon) are a captivating draw, heightened during their live performances. Their often sLow, subtle songs translate perfectly on stage - there is a reason why they have been praised across the board for their impressive performances.
This Wednesday should be a unique experience even for them; they are performing a specialist yuletide set with support band Ida who will be playing their first ever UK gig. Christmas only comes around once a year, but this kind of event most definitely comes round only once in a lifetime. It is sure to be a Christmas concert like no other, in all its dark, surging glory.