The Magnetic Fields – Live At Royal Festival Hall, London

Laughter and lullabies

In an interview with Clash back in January, The Magnetic Fields frontman Stephin Merritt promised there would be kazoos on the upcoming tour for new release ‘Love At The Bottom of The Sea’ – he wasn’t lying. In the subdued and respectful surroundings of the Southbank’s Royal Festival Hall the five piece Fields combined piano, cello, guitar and, at times, kazoo to bring Merritt’s hilarious and heart-breaking tales to life. The most un-rock ‘n’ roll looking group on the planet, the band cheerfully whizz through a huge catalogue of songs (setlist and lyrics professionally placed on music stands) to create an emotive and spellbinding night for all.

Some twenty years into their career The Fields are one of the best bands “no one” has heard of. Like many cult groups a very dedicated fan base has insured the bands longevity, not to mention a 2010 documentary with the likes of acclaimed author Neil Gaiman fawning over Merritt’s lyrical genius. It is certainly the bookish types that have come to catch the band tonight; the audience is a sea of jumpers, brogues and overpriced red wine. Still, this does not stop them from jumping with joy when witty wordplay or rarities appear. When the heartfelt songs about lost lovers contains lyrics such as “Come back from San Francisco and kiss me, I’ve quit smoking” the night is a delightful mix of laughs and laments.

Every song is absorbed in complete silence; one does not dare to move as Merritt stands solemnly over his harmonium and begins. “This is a song about some poultry that met an unfortunate end” and with this ‘Chicken with its Head Cut Off’ unfolds, a favourite from career highpoint ‘69 Love Songs’. The latter album makes many appearances over the night much to the joy of the crowd. Lil ditties such as ‘Boa Constrictor’ sit next to bittersweet tale of old age ‘Time Enough For Rocking When You’re Old’ with ease.

Of course there is a new album to promote, revenge tale ‘Your Girlfriend’s Face’ gets a quick intro before extracting giggles from anyone with an ex. ‘The Horrible Party’ perfectly encapsulates its namesake, being stuck in a social world full of people you simply can’t stand. Live it is clear that part of the band’s success is Merritt not undertaking all vocal duties himself, a good half or more the tracks sung by lifelong friend Claudia Gonson and Shirley Simms. The vocal stylings of each suiting different material, be it the girl next door approach of Gonson or the more country-tinged (read heart-breaking) of Simms. For such a stripped back setup the variety of genres and musical approaches tackled is simply brilliant.

A career spanning hour an half done and the band retire with ginger tea in hand before returning for a sleek two song encore. Arms above his head Merritt, in the deepest of music’s voices, bellows “Just remember all those you despise, will one day die” and, escorted by laughs rather than roars, quietly leaves the stage.

Words by Sam Walker-Smart
Photo by Rachel Lipsitz

Click here for a photo gallery of the gig.

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