Oct

27

Juliette Lewis, Shep Bush Empire, 23rd Oct

October 27, 2009 | 1 Comment

Is Juliette Lewis an over-privileged Hollywood star just playing at being a rock star or is she for real?

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The following review appears in the latest edition of London’s premier music ‘zine, London Tour Dates.

A valid question when you consider the abomination of Keanu Reeves’ Dogstar. Having pursued musical stardom for some four years now at first with band The Licks and now fronting her own ensemble, it would be churlish to doubt this Oscar-nominated actress’ sincerity. But has she got the songs to back it up?

She’s certainly got the look. Coming onstage with wonder woman hot pants, a full length veil and feather-laden epaullettes, Juliette Lewis cuts a striking figure: part Kate Bush, part Judge Dredd, there is edgy stage presence here in spades. The rock n’ roll squawk is perfectly suited to the refined garage rock and music fans of a certain age will be reminded of Hazel O’Connor’s staccato yelps of old. But mostly the songs lack bite and the tunes pass you by. If it wasn’t for Lewis’ endearingly intimate oversharing with the audience (she’s got a smile that just invites empathy) the night would’ve been something of a damp squib.

Three songs in and Ghosts from new new album Terra Icognita barely registered and even the addition of a string quartet couldn’t liven up closer Suicide Dive Bombers. Top mention to London rockers Officer Kicks for a blistering set and bang goes the theory that the undercard gets the arse end of the sound system. Ms Lewis should be proud to have such support.

Is Juliette Lewis an over-privileged Hollywood star just playing at being a rock star or is she for real? A valid question when you consider the abomination of Keanu Reeves’ Dogstar. Having pursued musical stardom for some four years now – first with band The Licks and now fronting her own ensemble, it would be churlish to doubt this Oscar-nominated actress’ sincerity. But has she got the songs to back it up? She’s certainly got the look. Coming onstage with wonder woman hot pants, a full length veil and feather-laden epaullettes, Juliette Lewis cuts a striking figure: part Kate Bush, part Judge Dredd, there is edgy stage presence here in spades. The rock n’ roll squawk is perfectly suited to the refined garage rock and music fans of a certain age will be reminded of Hazel O’Connor’s staccato yelps of old. But mostly the songs lack bite and the tunes pass you by. If it wasn’t for Lewis’ endearingly intimate oversharing with the audience (she’s got a smile that just invites empathy) the night would’ve been something of a damp squib. Three songs in and Ghosts from new new album Terra Icognita barely registered and even the addition of a string quartet couldn’t liven up closer Suicide Dive Bombers. Top mention to London rockers Officer Kicks for a blistering set – bang goes the theory that the undercard gets the arse end of the sound system. Ms Lewis should be proud to have such support.

Comments

1 Comment so far

  1. Ekaterina Chicken with no head on November 2, 2009 11:40 pm

    I was there… I saw it all… My poor eyes and ears and my soul! My friend, whose taste in music I respect, took me to the gig. So here is my piece of advice. Make sure in advance what you gonna see to avoid finding yourself in a bar and thinking “What the bloody hell am I doing here?”

    I was there… I saw it all… My poor eyes and ears and my soul…A friend of mine, whose taste in music I trust, took me to the gig. The music was loud and irritating. The audience – a crowd of overexcited and screaming beer drinkers… Nothing to admire, nothing to enjoy. So here is my piece of advice. Even if you respect someone`s taste, make sure in advance you know where you going to avoid finding yourself in a bar and asking “What the bloody hell have I forgotten here?” And don`t forget your earplugs, just in case…

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