Natalie Portman's Shaved Head, Centro Bar, October 14th
Natalie Portman's Shaved Head played Centro Bar on October 14th
Also In The News
|
By Richard James. |  |
Monday, 19, Oct 2009 03:17
It was a shame in a way that on the second night of their week-long London tour - following a last minute venue change - Natalie Portman's Shaved Head ended up playing to a crowd of about five in a venue which was never going to attract 'like-minded people' (complete with swing, pole and a somewhat heavy handed door policy).
None of this seemed to faze the group however - as the sounds of commercial garage cut out abruptly and lead singer Shaun Libman launched himself (physically!) onto the crowd. Championed by Perez Hilton in the US, the Seattle five-piece's kitsch, electro sound combines an instant pop appeal with genuine off-beat depth and complexity. All of this is added to by the group's tireless energy, enthusiasm and irony - headed up with Libman's over the top stage presence.
Harnessing wall fixtures, seating and human beings as props, he used the intimacy of the venue as an opportunity to get up close and personal with the crowd.
Performing single Sophisticated Side Pony Tail, with lead vocals from keyboard player Claire England, the band just managed to stay just the right side of Ting Tings comparisons, keeping that balance between cheesy and genuinely high quality music and arrangements.
This must have been the weakest night of what was no doubt a week of amazing live performances, but even with everything stacked against them Natalie Portman's Shaved Head put on a brilliant performance - totally living up to the hype.
Julia Ross