EILEEN DALY & THE COURTESANS
12 BAR LONDON 01/12/09
This was the second time I had caught or should I say courted the Courtesans recently. I did think that they may well be better suited with the bands they were playing with than at a pub in Belsize Park where it seemed anyone could step up to the microphone and batter out their favourite cover song. Perhaps not, this was again a case of singer songwriter territory and a headlining band with a vocalist whose wails made the sound of cat strangulation seem appealing. They were watched by a just few friends and it was obvious that it was the EP launch for Eileen Daly and The Courtesans ‘Elfing Around’ which was the main draw to most on this cold and frosty evening.
Johnny Cash was on the stereo and a tiger was on the stage with the set-list stuck to him, luckily it was of the stuffed toy variety as there had already been talk of sinister vampire slaying following the band around. Eileen admitted to being very excited about the turnout and the whole evening as the band burst into opener ‘Stickleback Song.’ As far as many of these songs, certainly those not on the EP, were concerned I was only hearing them for the second time but they obviously hit the mark as they were instantly recognisable. ‘Trailer Trash’ bristled with Ben Thirkettle’s flamboyant and mariachi sounding guitar leads and the socially acceptable observation on the unacceptable trash culture aired out on shows like the mentioned Jerry Springer really hit the mark. The audience moved sinuously around some slower numbers such as lounge-clad ‘Brute Of Cute’ and ‘Burnout’ which had a nursery rhyme oration about it before lush Indie etched guitar peels, if anything reminiscent of The Pixies, coursed out the speakers.
Those waiting for the EP tracks were finally rewarded by ‘Doll,’ but it was ones I was not as versed in that I really enjoyed. The groovy Munsters mash up ‘Webcam Girl’ with an energetic beat about it and perversely amusing lyrics (luckily Herman never needed to resort to such antics with Lily about). Also ‘Garden Of Love’ which had more than a bit of ‘They’re Coming To Take Me Away’ about it. Indeed they did too, as after hit of the day ‘Peckham Rolex’ it was time for dreaded cover ‘Delilah.’ Eileen kindly pointed out that I was unlikely to stay in the room for it and indeed I legged it to the back bar for some much needed refreshing laudanum.
After the show the band were on hand to pose for photos and I don’t think many left without buying a copy of the freshly signed EP. Those that did attempt to slip out and take off down Denmark Street may have had their fate sealed in blood… but that, dear reader, is another tale.
www.myspace.com/thecourtisans
Pete Woods
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