[FRINGE] kiss the wookie

[reverancepavane]

After ensuring that a life-size cardboard proxy of me was in place to ensure quorum at a meeting, it was off to The Mercury to see The Idea of North perform The Cinema Sessions. The show was good, which was vaguely disappointing, as TIoN are probably one of the best a capella groups in the world. They seemed to be rather tired,* more so than just is explained by it being the second of a double set. This was particularly noticeable with the new songs, which lacked the usual verve, wheras they rapidly fell back into their normal stage presence with the old favourites. And their patter was a quite a bit more vague than normal. This was a themed show, being their takes on some of their favourite movie music. But it also included such notable pieces as Kiss the Wookie and Psycho – the Musical.** Halfway through I was feeling all nostalgic for Jelelah's themed medleys (Naomi's influence on piece selection probably explains this a lot), particularly the Aladdin Medley. Naomi and Sally were radiant and beautiful (of course), Andrew was his normal distinguished self, but I was shocked that I didn't recognise a rather dishevelled Nick until he spoke. My first thought was that he had in fact been replaced by a new boy-band tenor! Overall it seemed like their energy flow was off. The music was excellent (as always), but the zest, zeal, and humour that makes their live gigs much better than their recordings just didn't seem to be there. It felt like they needed to go home, relax, and recharge, which is unusual for when they visit SA. I suspect other things are happening in their lives. Of course, if it was your first time at a The Idea of North gig you would probably have considered it an excellent show. It's just that I know that could have easily transcended the performance they gave; it very much felt like they were phoning it in.*** Anyway their next release is a jazz album with Jim Morrison's band (with understandably very very little a capella). It's called The Feel of Spring. Watch for it this Autumn. * It could just be me. The antagonist has worn off and I'm in pain and tired. ** I still think the refrain should have been "this is the music of the knife" rather than "night." If you ever see the piece, you'll understand. Skritch Skritch Skritch. *** Of course, I could still be under the spell of Elana Stone's wonderful performance from last night. What's that they say about being mesmerized if you look a dragon in the eye? That you will never see life in the same way again...