Magnolia Electric Co. Bush Hall, London 2/9/09
4/5
By: Steve Rose
Every time I wander down the infamous Brick Lane, either to get a coffee, or to peruse the aisles of Rough Trade Records, I always wonder if I’ll bump into the solemn, sincere genius that is Jason Molina. I never have, but in case you haven’t heard, the prolific artiste now resides on the aforementioned East London tourist hotspot/curry haven. It’s reassuring to know that as I trudge the length of our capital on the much anathematized Central Line, and across the rainy streets of Shepherds Bush, that Molina has at some point today made the same journey for the same reason. To get to Bush Hall, the charming, beautifully restored dance hall-cum-live music venue.
The relative grandiose nature of the nineteen hundred and five established building is sufficient respite from the hideous weather, as is the title track from Molina’s seventeenth official album, Josephine. The American born singer-songwriter and his constantly evolving band of backing musicians, today adorned in dapper suits, compliment well the chandeliers and magenta stage backdrop, as well as the front man’s relatively jovial demeanor.
Gone is the desperate, soul searching which haunted 2000’s The Lioness, with its solemn vocals depicting tales of predatory women, via heavy metaphors of fire, blood and death. Instead the Black Sabbath fan from Ohio seems to have gone back to his roots somewhat, with powerful, 70’s roots-rock-style renditions of ‘Farewell Transmission’ and ‘I’ve Been Riding with the Ghost’, off 2003’s Songs,Ohia record, entitled Magnolia Electric Co,.
As one could expect mostly his new material is aired tonight, and it’s all strong work. The crowd lavishes praise and undivided attention upon their evening’s upbeat entertainment, despite its lack of trademark quiet sorrow, desperate spirits or minor-key discomfort. As Churchill would possibly have said, “This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning” – or merely the end of an endearing hour and a half performance, a bittersweet encore and time for everyone to file out into the night.
Artists in this article: Magnolia Electric Co.
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