Jack Penate [The Great Escape Uncut]

Jack Penate

Posted on May 25, 2007 5:35 PM
1 comment

Elvis Perkins, Kid Harpoon, Jack Penate
The Red Roaster - The Great Escape
May 18th 2007

I've decided to play it safe and settle at the Red Roaster for the night. It almost turns out to be anything but safe.

I've walked past this cosy little venue every day on my way to the hellish hotel. From the outside, it looks like a cafe but there are no crowds or cappuccinos to be seen now. Tonight, alfresco dining is replaced by a queue and a big one at that. They're well behaved though - I guess Jack Penate fans have less nervous energy than CSS addicts. I saw a man shove a woman in a Brighton high road domestic earlier... by comparison, this lot are perky...

Once again, the pass around my neck bring more magic than Amsterdam's many mushrooms and I'm through the door in an instant. I'm little so it's not hard to secure a spot at the very front. I sit next to the sound guys and some Kid Harpoon fans... they're very friendly, but so is he - so I wouldn't expect any less.

The bill kicks off with Elvis Perkins. He reminds me of one of my mates back at home in Australia. Dishevelled, Hugh Grant-inspired hair, glasses perched precariously on his nose and the type of nerdy, yet confident demeanour that only a talented musician call pull of. I like him instantly. His tunes bounce, his voice bounces with it and the guitar tells a story of its own. This USA lad recently supported Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and Willy Mason; I've since seen him scheduled in at the Luminaire in north London - we'll see more of him for sure. Let’s hope he brings his drum banging, foot stomping friend. I wonder if he stole the instrument from a cheerleaders' squad back home.

Kid Harpoon steps on to the stage next. This Brit wows me every time. I've seen him play with his band in an advertising agencies' basement but today he goes solo. Tonight, I prefer the acoustic Kid... though I'm sure I'll change my mind when I see him next. His front row fans whoop along to his haunting vocals and jerky movements as he flits between guitar and piano. Mr Harpoon tells a story with every tune and a ditty with every story. As he holds his guitar high, he's omits enough on-stage energy to challenge the best of them... Jack Penate included. By The Riverside is a crowd pleaser and my suspicions are confirmed - Kid Harpoon is here to stay. He's definitely converted a few Brighton Bods - catch him in Camden while you can.

On to Jack... I'm bursting for the amenities but I'm not risking this prime position at the front. Behind me, the venue is packed to the gills with sweaty bodies and funky fans. There's something about Brighton... people have an edge that you don't find elsewhere. I want to know the secret but my guess is that it comes with a beach-town postcode.

The security staff look apologetic; there is still a line up of hopeful fans peering past the doorway in a desperate attempt to spot a gap in the crowd. Management are having none of it... they're at capacity and won't budge an inch. The crowd remain amazingly high-spirited - it's a testament to Jack Penate fans. My only guess is that the Red Roaster team appreciate this and make a brave gesture. The sound guys turn into labourers and pull back the thick curtains separated us from the hoards outside. Faces are instantly pressed against the glass, the odd blow-fish is blown against the window and the upper panes are opened to let the music out. There may not be alfresco dining but there's going to be a healthy serving of outdoor gigging.

Unfazed by the multi-level audience, Jack Penate launches into song. I've heard tales about this East London solo artist... tales of originality, high-tempo performances and a solid fan base. They were right; this man has 'em all. The doors threaten to break as the outdoor observers get frantic with enthusiasm. Jack somehow manages to play to us, and the people behind him. Maybe is has a lot to do with the erratic dancing. He reminds me of a short Patrick Swayze - (with jerky, not dirty) moves. His set is a whirlwind of tunes broken up by anecdotes and banter galore. He has an openness we don't see often enough in the music industry and his music has all the more relevance because of it. Most young Londoners can relate to Jack... and if not, they can dance with him.

Later, as I trundle home hungover (still) but happy, I hear that fights, hissing and general gig-envy was happening outside. I feel very lucky all of a sudden. Rest assured people - Jack has a full tour scheduled for June and July. There's plenty more Penate pie where that came from.

Right, where did I put that bed?

Comments (1)

Nai
i so badly want to see him but i can not afford almost £60 for a ticket on a sunday night :( im so gutted i love him so much i wanted to take my boyfriend for him birthday but i can not afford one ticket let anlone 2 ! :( so if anyone knows how i can get them cheeper caan you leave a msg on my myspace thanks nai xx
Posted on September 18, 2007 1:45 PM