Institute of Contemporary Arts

Quiet Nights: F.Lunaire / Plaster of Paris

Date: 5 April 2008

Gabriel Green 

Watch a video of this performance by clicking here . 

Yesterday saw the opening of the Quiet Nights Season at the ICA. Performing their acoustic sets were the fantastic F.Lunaire and marvellous Plaster of Paris, and having caught a bit of their soundchecks I knew the crowd were in for a treat. Tonight, and the subsequent Quiet Nights, are taking place in the ICA's Nash Room which seemed an ideal setting with its Regency style, grand bay windows and views across St. James Park. So with the late afternoon sun going down the audience slowly drifted up from the bar and settled upon the rugs and cushions, drink in hand and ready to begin their weekend in the most comfortable of fashions.

First up was Plaster of Paris, and when the leading lady Molly took the mic, ably assisted by Lewis on guitar and ukulele, you could, as Molly herself said "hear a pin drop". Citing Ella Fitzgerald, Bjork and Kate Bush amongst others as influences Plaster of Paris soon had the room entranced with their understated yet emphatic folk guitar combined with the strong and soaring vocals. The singer's sweet and funny demeanour belied a rich, wide ranging and almost operatic voice that dipped and dived throughout their set always carrying us along with it. Their sound and style called to mind old seventy eight rpm records being played on gramophones but mixed with more modern, witty and poetic lyrics. On top of all this were the rather brilliant kazoomaphone solos, in essence the horn part of a gramophone being blown into to produce a haunting and raspy tone, and an accordionist who joined in on a couple of songs. Plaster of Paris certainly proved a hit with everyone and there were cheers, not to mention some whoops and hollers, after the last song.

Following a short interval as people stepped onto the balconies to admire the view and off to the bar to refill we were ready for the second act of the evening. F.Lunaire is a dapper young man from the South of France who once seated at his keyboard, with a bottle of beer for company, took total control of the audience. Playing the acoustic version of his songs from The Mondestrunken E.P. Florian showcased his undeniable songwriting talent. Strong melodies that carried pop sensibilities without ever resorting to cliché set a perfect background to his crisp and beguiling voice. The sublime ‘Quantum Physics In The Sink' exemplified his imaginative and insightful use of words to reflect upon experiences and their meanings. Though quietly spoken between songs F.Lunaire certainly conveyed a real depth in his music and I'd thoroughly recommend checking his Myspace to purchase his E.P. and read some of his evocative lyrics.

The Quiet Night ended with loud applause for F.Lunaire and a happy crowd departing safe in the knowledge they had just seen two great acts and still had their Friday night ahead of them. Overall it was a great success and the combination of quality music and the Nash Room started the Quiet Nights season off in style. If you weren't lucky enough to get a ticket make sure you check back here on the ICA website to see the film of the whole evenings' performance.

Next week - The Bronsteins & Jack Shirt

 

 

 

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