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Home > Austin Music Source > Archives > 2009 > March > 19 > Entry
SXSW review: Camera Obscura
(Midnight, Central Presbyterian Church)
You really had to feel for Camera Obscura. The Scottish indie pop sextet’s first U.S. performance in a long while had them practically begging audience members to stick around. Of course, while the crowd hemorrhaged members, that had nothing to do with the band — they were the final act in a long night and after a full day of partying most in the audience were tired, hungry and ready to head out. By the time lead singer Tracyanne Campbell belted out the final song, a rollicking, enthused “If Looks Could Kill,” from 2006’s “Let’s Get Out of This Country,” the venue was only at about one-third capacity.
Which is a shame, because Camera Obscura threw themselves into Wednesday night’s show. With horns blaring, hand claps a-plenty and stellar key playing, they delivered an hour and 10 minutes worth of short, catchy, gleeful pop perfection. The set was split between classic material and new songs off the upcoming “My Maudlin Career.” The new material was classic Camera Obscura, blending the harmonies of ‘60s girl groups like the Ronettes with layers of impressive instrumentation. “The Sweetest Thing” packed an extraordinary horn section with a superb guitar solo — a rarity for this band — while standbys from previous albums were delivered with gusto.
Still, after enjoyable and atmospheric sets from St. Vincent, the Department of Eagles and M. Ward — all infinitely better artists to sit down and listen to than Camera Obscura, who are best enjoyed upright and jumping — there was a definite sense that band and venue were mismatched. Campbell requested that audience members come up front and stay nearer to the stage in the aisle, which some did, but none danced. Perhaps if one brave soul had initiated a dance party others would have joined in and lifted the band’s spirits, but none did, and performers seemed shy.
Campbell frequently apologized for playing new songs, which was unnecessary. Though an energetic and technically excellent performance, the late hour, minimal lighting and subdued venue were inappropriate for a band as celebratory as Camera Obscura, and it showed. Fans might be better served checking them out at the French Legation Museum, where they play today at 3 p.m., or at the Mohawk at 5 p.m. Saturday. Those venues, with their less buttoned-down aesthetic, should prove a better fit.
The band is also scheduled to play at 9:30 p.m. Friday at La Zona Rosa.
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