Live Review
Jens Lekman, Brisbane February 16 2013
The weather gods are kind tonight, keeping the rain at bay, and providing some delicate breezes, which are always cherished at the Zoo. The crowd is still sparse by the time local artist Scraps takes the stage, which could perhaps explain her timid start. Looking at Scraps, it's not difficult to understand her stage name; her scruffy, bleach blonde hair is stuffed under a black cap, and she is wearing a tight fitting aqua and pink dress, with fluoro green sneakers. Her mismatched attire and closed-off stage presence communicates a message of, "I don't give a fuck", which is confirmed when she tells the audience, "I really don't care if you enjoy this or not!" Despite all this, there's something alluring about Scraps. After a shaky opening, she builds momentum and confidence, punching out short and sweet tracks with incredibly smooth transitions in between, making her performance feel like a dark and quirky DJ set.
Melbourne-based songstress Courtney Barnett and her three-piece band follow Scraps. When considering who else is playing tonight, one might question whether Barnett's style is consistent with the tone of the evening, however, after a few minutes of hearing her gutsy, raw vocals, it really doesn't seem to matter. Her laid back, rockabilly sound is charming the audience, with more people starting to move and groove as she pumps out Lance Jr., Scotty Says and the title track from her debut EP, I've Got A Friend Called Emily Ferris. It's refreshing that a female front-woman is able to command the stage to this degree. When looking at them as a group, it is clear the band possess a high level trust and respect for one another, as their tracks often turn into lengthy guitar jams. The set is wrapped up with History Eraser, which has a sound reminiscent of Bob Dylan and is performed with fist-pumping intensity.
A group of fans immediately flock to the front of stage after Barnett's performance, eager to get a piece of Mr Jens Lekman. Tonight he is accompanied by a four-piece band, consisting of a drummer, bassist, violinist and pianist. They waste no time banging out tracks from Lekman's latest album, opening with Becoming Someone Else's, followed in quick succession by title track I Know What Love Isn't and The End Of The World Is Bigger Than Love. Lekman graces the audience with a humble and endearing smile before commencing Golden Key, which we are told should feature on his next album. The track elates spectators with its dancey feel, and features a percussive sample reminiscent to that in Beyonce's Diva. The transition into his popular hit The Opposite Of Hallelujah is electrifying, and by this point everyone is immersed, as Lekman busts out some dance moves and showers the audience with confetti. The lights dim, and the band leave the Swede alone to perform I Want A Pair Of Cowboy Boots, which stirs the hearts of all in attendance. The quality of Lekman's vocals is so emotive and powerful throughout the night; possibly more so than what is found on his recorded work (if that is conceivable). It is also evident that his band hold him in the highest regard, as they are constantly flashing him the most adoring smiles. The set finishes with Sipping On The Sweet Nectar, but not before Lekman does the aeroplane around the stage, showcasing his playful and childish nature.
The encore starts with Maple Leaves, followed by Your Arms Around Me, which is kindly dedicated to the crowd. Punters get a taste of Lekman's quirky sense of humour and story-telling abilities as he explains the story behind Nina, which involves a surprise introduction to vegetarian parents in Berlin, awkward silences, secret codes and frustration. By the end of the night, everyone feels as though they have made a new best friend, due to the extremely open and lighthearted nature of Lekman's performance; he is a delight to behold.