Billed as an ’11 piece indie-orchestra’ on their debut in the UK only a few weeks after well received shows at SXSW, hopes are high for the Brooklyn-based Emanuel And The Fear. Travel expenses in shifting an 11 piece indie band across the pond, however, must be extortionate. This may explain why tonight only six of the 11 band members appear on stage.
Instead of a grand cacophony of sound and stage excitement, it looks and feels a bit more like the Glee Club cast doing Arcade Fire covers, but with far less enthusiasm. We have guitar, bass, drums which covers the indie band side. Then we have flute, cello and violin to cover the orchestra bit. Immediately you sense something’s missing in this performance. It’s quite possibly the other five members of the band.
The classic training of the clearly talented Emanuel Ayvas, singer and band leader, is evident. However, the wonderful orchestration seems to disguise a collection of mediocre songs. It must be hard to rise from the orchestra pit to be star of the show, which may also explain the distinct lack of stage presence from every band member. Even the rather deadpan Ayvas seems unable to connect with the crowd.
It was almost comical during the song ‘Comfortable Prison’, from the 2009 EP Emanuel And The Fear, as it appears they’re in their own private hell and certainly far from comfortable.
With the recent release of their first long player, Listen, hopefully now they’ll be able to raise enough cash for another visit to the UK and bring along the other five band members. Then we may see something special. Tonight…not so much.
Words by Alison Kerry
Photo by Maik Reichart
