Jeff Klien is an Americana-tinged rock singer signed to independent music label One Little Indian. He was in the UK tour to promote new album "The Hustler" which was recorded and influenced by the sleazy delights of New Orleans. Supporting him were the band People in Planes.
With gothic, Robert Smith-esque looks, dressed in dark jacket and jet black hair, Jeff has a permanent look of one too many late nights. Coupled with the fact that it was an incredibly hot day with the full capacity venue with very little air conditioning, it must have been a real trauma performing. He still managed nonetheless to charm the crowd with his husky, cigarette-fuelled voice, which he is known for at the best of times.
He was accompanied by a piano/keyboard player and bass on certain songs, and other songs was just himself and a guitar. However I found his husky voice to be a monotone drone, with each song merging into each other, no melody or any fluctuation from song to song. Nothing stood out, or remotely moved me and I found myself just sitting there amongst the crowd, looking at him sweating profusely oblivious to any of his music. I get the impression Jeff is more of “a been there done that, don’t really care what you have to say, and I’m gonna do my own thing and sing my own rocky blues whether you like it or not” kinda guy. Which is probably why at times, if not for the duration of his gig, I found his music self-indulgent.
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What was pretty interesting though was the supporting Welsh band People in Planes. Klein himself commented upon coming on stage how great they were and how much he enjoyed touring the UK with them. The band is a mesh of electronica, spangly guitar and indie rock, harmonious and undeniably original music.
Overall, a mixed bag. It was too hot a summer night to be in such a poorly ventilated and air conditioned venue which may have dampened my feelings on the whole gig, but I'd struggle to recommend Jeff Klein, especially with a eclectic treat like People In Planes opening up.
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