Live Review: Eels - The Roundhouse, London
27th March 2023
Support: The Inspector Cluzo
Words & Photos: Jacob Schwar
Tonight’s performance would be taking place at the prestigious Roundhouse – a rather classy venue that has been host to some big names such as David Bowie, Rolling Stones and even The Doors! Both bands tonight would be as equally eccentric and worthy to share to the same stage, providing a rather healthy turnout of concertgoers both old and young.
Walking out rather graciously on stage came drummer Mathieu and guitarist/vocalist Laurent, saluting and greeting the audience to welcome applause, this was The Inspector Cluzo. These chaps were indeed a duo having formed in Mont-De-Marsan back in 2008, playing their signature sound of bluesy hard rock with plenty of groove and a nice bit of heaviness in the mix. Wasting no time, they kicked straight into ‘Act Local Think Global’ the opening track from their newest album Horizon and a real belter with its thought provoking narrative, to say the least an excellent way to make an introduction.
In fact their set consisted mostly of newer tracks such as the humorously catchy ‘Running A Family Farm Is More Rock Than Playing Rock N Roll Music’ or the eerily bluesy ‘The Outsider’ though a highlight had to be with the song ‘Rockaphobia’, marvellously anthemic with a great vocal performance by Laurent. The chemistry between these two was undeniable, it was quite astounding to witness the energy they created even to go so far as for drummer Mathieu to do a mini crowd surf which got concertgoers to whip out their devices and film immediately, all in all if you’re looking for some good old blues rock but with a difference then The Inspector Cluzo are a band to see.
After such a fantastic set it seemed the headliners would need to pull of something spectacular in hopes of topping it but without further ado and a rather clumsy fanfare of the theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey which had the front row cracking up, we come to EELS.
Fronted by main man and singer/songwriter Mark Everett or known by his stage name as E who had assembled a rather dashing backing band, all who were dressed like a boy band from the 50’s/60’s I may add, bringing a weirdly pleasant vintage Americana vibe to the Roundhouse. Kicking off with some newer tracks 'Steam Engine’ and ‘Amateur Hour’ which were great examples of the catchy and fuzzy garage rock sound that can be found on their recent Extreme Witchcraft album.
After hearing some more new material including a cover of ‘Whatcha Gonna Do About It” by Small Faces, lead man E decided, “it’s time to play some old shit and that times right now” whilst wielding his guitar to play the soulful tune ‘Jeannie’s Diary’, a really cute track almost like a lullaby in that Eels-esque way which got the crowd singing along with tears in eyes for some. The audience were treated to a great set of EELS material both new and old with highlights being the ethereally dreamy ‘I Need Some Sleep’, the fuzzy and almost stoner rock-ish ‘Dog Faced Boy’ and the somewhat hopeful ‘Novocaine For The Soul’.
The band themselves were on top form tonight with E doing what he does best with his semi-awkward yet clever stage demeanour whilst providing excellent dialogue between songs to keep us all engaged. Everything from EELS stage attire, presence and live sound was impeccable and I truly felt like I was watching something uniquely spectacular, quite different to what I’m used to seeing at a live concert. This was the second night of EELS’ massive Lockdown Hurricane tour which will see them playing much of the UK and Europe before heading over the pond to the states, all I can say is stuff the cost of living crisis, get yourself a ticket and get to one their shows, you won’t be disappointed!
All photo credits: Jacob Schwar
