Phosphorescent Burn Bright In London!

9:40 AM GMT 01/06/2009

OUT OF THE ESTIMATED 14,000 acts that allegedly clogged up the streets and stages of Austin during this year's SXSW festival in March, Phosphorescent were an undoubted highlight. The band's recent To Willie album - a tribute to their hero Willie Nelson - has also emerged as one of the finest releases of recent months, following on from 2007's hugely impressive and atmospheric third album, Pride.

Thursday last, May 28, Matthew Houck (pictured, above) and his band returned to London to play the MOJO Club at the Jazz Café for what was a hugely anticipated show. Tragedy almost struck, however, when three days earlier drummer Chris Marine sustained what is most politely described as a "sporting injury" while trying to open a beer bottle with a bowie knife. The resulting severed tendon led to the man's hospitalisation in Paris. Rather than blow out their full UK tour, however, Phosphorescent have elected to continue playing with Marine drumming with the sole use of his right hand, his left being plastered and in a sling (picture, below).

Despite Marine's handicap, Phosphorescent's set is a stunning blend of tightly-honed harmonies, rampant guitar chooglin' and thunderous piano bashing, serving up large swathes of Pride and lashings of To Willie - Too Sick To Pray being one particular highlight. Of their own material the confessional I Am A Full Grown Man (And I Lay In The Grass All Day) is another. If slavish comparisons are required then both The Band and Little Feat spring to mind, but neither really does Phosphorescent justice, Houck's band possessing their own distinct and rapidly developing personality.

Equally personable is support act Beth Jeans Houghton (above), now augmented by her band, the fancifully named Hooves Of Destiny. While her set on this occasion is beset by technical gremlins, Geordie lass Houghton has the songs, presence and chops to make a mark for herself this year, such is the calibre of her material.

For both Houghton and Phosphorescent Thursday's triumphal proceedings beg only one further question: where next?

Phil Alexander

Pictures: Simon Fernandez

A full report from this show will appear in the next issue of MOJO magazine.

Posted by Danny_Eccleston at 9:40 AM GMT 01/06/2009

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