Jeffrey Lewis, The Wave Pictures at The Plug, Sheffield, September 13
There are many artists that cross the line between bad and nauseatingly entertaining. While Jeffrey Lewis' underwhelming songs teeter on wholesomely charming The Wave Pictures are anything but. With their boyish looks and unison vocals the group sound inexperienced throughout their set. Chanting over repetitive vocals and out of tune harmonies the trio are a mere step away from sixth form entertainment. The band also appear to be incapable of singing a line without backing vocals- that is until the drummer moves centre stage to provide the highlight of the night through an unusually touching ballad.
As Jeffrey Lewis appears onstage however it's an entirely different set up. Despite his musical capabilities remaining quite limited, his witty attitude fills the room. Laidened with a spread of merchandise, including comics, t-shirts and CDs tonight isn't just a gig- it's a fan experience. Performing with an onstage projector the night continues with a series of songs and stories. Despite Lewis' quirky musical style it is his imagination that outshines all. Creeping hands, monsters, hippies and golden arms are all explored by Lewis and his band with a twist of rock'n'roll glimmer to each song. While the first half of the set stays in tune to his anti folk the second half sees the band launch into a post punk stint. Yet whether Lewis is delivering a heartfelt personal ballad or a bizarre quirky tune you can't help but leave the building smiling like a cheshire cat and thinking that line isn't as clean cut as initially thought.
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