Sometimes, you just have to admit that you were disappointed. That you expected too much perhaps. Tonight was one of those nights.
The Cube cinema seemed like the perfect place to come and see Damon & Naomi pedal their quiet acoustic music, flecked with reminders of the great Galaxie 500, of whom they were once drummer and bass player respectively.
Although the Cube was by no means full, the audience were appreciative enough, but you could tell that deep down, most people were hoping for something more, a spark of the old magic. It wasn't there.
Damon & Naomi have released some good music, from the rough and ready debut album "More Sad Hits" and the sometimes beautiful "Playback Singers" to the latest couple of albums where they have been joined by Japanese friends Ghost. But tonight, they fail to reproduce any of it in a way that strikes a chord.
Damon plays acoustic guitar exclusively, while Naomi alternates between bass and keyboards, whilst sharing the vocals with Damon. And tucked in the corner with the largest array of pedals I've ever seen is the guitarist Michio Kurihara, just flown in from Japan for his first show with the band on this tour.
Of the songs they play, "Turn of the Century" comes out best, though nowhere near as good as on record - elsewhere, the songs from the new album "The Earth is Blue" are largely ruined by the effect-laden guitarwork, which is too loud and occasionally breaks into near-metal territory. And to cap it all off, they absolutely slaughter a version of "Blue Thunder" by Galaxie 500, one of the great songs of all time. Naomi in particular seems determined to bury the original tune in some weird off-harmony.
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In between times, when the electric guitar is reigned back, there are some nice moments, but the heavy accent on Japanese literature all seems a little too cute and artsy, and none of it really grabs you.
Afterwards in the bar, the discussion went something like this: "They could have been better." "Yes, I wish Naomi would stick to playing the bass, because when she does that it sounds brilliant". "And Damon should play drums sometimes, he's a great drummer." And finally - "Yes, and Dean Wareham should play the guitar and sing, then it would sound great..."
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