Father John Misty brings the sounds of Mahashmashana to Manchester. Backed by an indelible band, Mr. Tillman delivers a sumptuous sermon.
Words: Dominic Walsh & Howard King
Pictures: Dominic Walsh
BUTCH BASTARD
Butch Bastard’s Fleet Foxes connection clearly rewards him with a much deserved support spot. His collection of poetic, contemplative, delicate songs are delivered with great vocal eloquence and clarity.
The set is mainly gleaned from his latest album, Death Valley. Despite the grim title, there are plenty of catchy tunes along with the more heartfelt themes . He endears himself to the crowd by saying Manchester is ‘a nice place to let go of the truth’. His soul searching songs express many innermost feelings and provide the perfect foil as an ideal warm up for Father John Misty.
FATHER JOHN MISTY
Mahashmashana (review here) is the sixth album from American singer and songwriter Father John Misty. Comprising eight super songs, all are on show as part of the set. I Guess Time Makes Fools of Us All and Josh Tillman and The Accidental Dose open proceedings. Full of anecdotal tales, all of Father John Misty’s songs are sung with a rare flamboyance. The former is a funky start before the latter sees Misty slip into his role as chief raconteur. Mr Tillman and The Night Josh Tillman Came To Our Apt. round out an opening salvo of songs about our fabled bard.
A single sojourn to Fear Fun, Misty’s debut, comes in the form of the brilliant Nancy From Now On. Peppered around are other older cuts; Goodbye Mr. Blue, God’s Favourite Customer and Disappointing Diamonds Are The Rarest Of Them All.
NOTHING GOOD EVER HAPPENS…
I Love You, Honeybear is the record that put Father John Misty into a lot of people’s conscious. Unsurprisingly, there are plenty of selections on offer. Nothing Good Ever Happens at the Goddamn Thirsty Crow sees Misty in full flow. He prances and parades around the stage in emphatic fashion, much to the delight of the front rows. It is rousing stuff. The band create a raucous and rambunctious sound.
Chateau Lobby #4 (In C For Two Virgins) is another one that has the band flying. The delicious bossa nova style rhythms allow time to have a good groove; and not for the first time! Father John Misty live is a different prospect than the one you find on his records. His delivery makes each song unique.
Mahāśmaśāna (महामशान)
With the entirety of new album played at different points in the set, the back third of the main set sees a run of five from Mahashmashana. She Cleans Up is devilishly good, and another funky number. Screamland sees the stage bathed in swathes of white light. The ‘love must find a way’ refrain sounds exultant.
Misty covers nearly every inch of the simply decorated stage. A draped curtain alternately gently backlit in shades of reds, blues and whites, takes on the appearance of a dark enticing black vortex, provides the ideal backdrop to his enchanting, dynamic music. At times it is compelling to just listen to, and at others it is anthemic enough to have adoring fans joining in.
In stark contrast to two louder numbers, Summers Gone is a beautiful, tender ballad. It is a rare moment where a hush falls over the crowd. Those not being reverent with their voices, there is admonishment from those around them. It is beautiful to hear just piano and Misty’s voice raw and unaccompanied by the whole band.
Mental Health is ‘another ballad’ that bites. Then, a glorious rendition of the majestic title track of the album. The band exit as Father John Misty takes applause and waves at the crowd from top to bottom before taking his own leave.
ELEVEN HOTEL CALIFORNIA’S
Near the end of this awe inspiring concert, Father John Misty claims he’s already given us eleven Hotel California’s before a surprise was had in the form of the much requested So I’m Growing Old on Magic Mountain. Is it the best song Neil Young never wrote? Maybe.
For him to dismiss his songs as ‘Hotel California’s’ is a huge underestimation of the incredibly unique performance he gives Manchester with each song. Indeed, some of his newer songs could be described as lounge country, but when delivered with such a sophisticated suave it is hard not to marvel at the talent on show. The venue is the perfect venue acoustically for his huge band sound and it assists in delivering crystal clear vocals.
A clutch of aforementioned tracks from I Love You, Honeybear leave the O2 Apollo Manchester in raptures as they leave to a chilly April evening.
Father John Misty returns to the UK in summer. You can find his tour dates here. Miss this band at your peril!
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Butch Bastard: Website
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