The Lodger @ Packhorse
By Alex Denney'The Lodger (lodgus newyorkshissimus): a beduffled presence haunting the dingier recesses of Leeds' student heartlands. Distinguished by mop-top peering over nervously-supped pint of obscure ale like some kind of anaemic, shoegazing John Lennon.' Still, Leeds' most famous flatmate - aka Ben Siddall - must be grinning into his beery froth right now, 'cos his band is fast becoming the most scintillating pop-savvy bunch of schmindie ne'er do-wells since, er, the Housemartins, apparently.
Tonight they're launching new single 'Let Her Go', on which The Lodger play a blinder marrying Belle and Seb-style trumpet with a dash of Elvis Costello's outsider spleen to great effect. 'Many Thanks For Your Honest Opinion' sounds like Pete Shelley in his proverbial underpants and positively seethes with venomous irony, revealing a Morrisseyan distaste for the more vulgar attractions the indie lifestyle has to offer: "Life as a loser, it suits you so well / Jump on my body, rebel, rebel".
The kitsch-en sink vibe is completed with scenes from Bill Forsyth's ace rites-of-passage drama Gregory's Girl beamed onstage, and the shameless flaunting of tank tops which would have even Howard Moon reeling in distaste. Note to snobs: The Lodger may not find themselves on the outside looking in for very much longer.
