Jonjo Feather @ The Library
By Kate Zezulka
Launches of various descriptions often seem to be the best way to stay relatively close to the pulse of any musical happenings while still hanging on to a sense of the familiar and supportive. Tonight's single launch for Jonjo Feather is no exception - something that Upstairs at The Library's slightly clandestine feel only adds to.
It's no surprise, then, that the support act maintain the underground-type ethic. Duet's most eye-catching attribute is the choice of instrumentation, a direct effect of the hurdle of having just two musicians. Rather than opt for the more conventional mix of guitar and drums - the chosen route of duos from Blood Red Shoes to Two Gallants - the French duo pair drum kit with bass. It's arguably only an octave difference, everything taken into account, but the impact is something a little more pronounced. Bassist and frontman David swings from playing in a guitar-like register and style (the power chords at the top end of the neck are surprisingly effective) to something entirely different, mixing harmonics with melodic lines. Coupled with flawless and sprightly drumming, the upshot of this is that Duet come out looking more than noteworthy. And that's even taking into account that the vocals tended to get lost on more intense tracks.
After a screening of the "I Suppose" video, very much in keeping with the urban cool and imagery of the song and worth a view, Feather delivers his whirlwind set. Not to acknowledge his reputation as a writer of somewhat sinister tracks would be an oversight, but it does seem much more like a 'modern' - with particular emphasis on the slightly gritty, disenchanted connotations of the word - interpretation of 60s psych-pop. There is certainly an element of the timeless about his songwriting, as well as his set. The performance and his swaggering cool stage persona are devastatingly effortless, made all the more 'rock-star' by the slightly outlandish fashion-sense. The use of fuzz-drenched vocals is very chic, as is his stripped-down guitar tone, which still somehow manages to sound skilful. New track "Taxi" is a good illustration of both of these aspects, a perfect snapshot of his impeccable style. Equally, tonight's rendition of "I Suppose" is greeted by enormous enthusiasm. Staying both offbeat and hook-laden, something tells me this single won't sink without trace, and neither will Jonjo Feather.
