There are some bands that play prestigious venues, tour worldwide in well-equipped buses, and are certainly critically acclaimed - yet they seemingly remain unknown to most everyone. One such band, Scotland's Delgados, played the Black Cat Sunday in their second D.C. appearance this year.
"Universal Audio," the Delgados' recently released fifth album, takes a more straightforward approach to rock-pop song structures than their earlier efforts. The lyrics of "Get Action!" ("No one ever said to me that I should write a symphony") slyly poke fun at the band's reputation for the orchestral and glossily produced. Impressive on the record, the tracks come across even better live. Without worry of reproducing the bombastic accents so prevalent on "The Great Eastern" and "Hate," the songs sounded unpretentious and fantastically listenable.
A computerized voice introduced the Delgados' members, who then entered to a bouncy 1950s pop song. Beginning with the lead track on "Universal Audio," "I Fought the Angels," they set the pace for the night: an absolutely mesmerizing mid-tempo.
Many moments in the Delgados' set called for slack-jawed wonder. The simple beauty of three-part a capella harmony in the middle of XTC-esque potboilers "Get Action!" and "Girls of Valour" are perfect instances. Multiple keyboards kept the songs safely above standard, and a violin lent crucial beauty to the acoustic "Sink or Swim," among others.
It took the epic "Accused of Stealing," from 2000's "Great Eastern," for heads to finally bob in the stiff, older crowd. Standing widely spread out and motionless, the audience's enjoyment level was typically hard to guage, except in such rare moments. Violin perfected the rendition, as Emma Pollock's lilting voice deadpanned accusations and directives: "Live a life, just make sure it's your own one."
The set's midpoint came with current single (as little as such terms matter in the world of indie rock) "Everybody Come Down." As "normal" a song as any the Delgados have ever written, and a slight disappointment on "Universal Audio," it showcased Pollock's vocals beautifully live. The diminutive brunette's alto was refreshingly powerful live.
Though Pollock and co-lead singer Alun Woodward spoke little (except for many "cheers" in lieu of "thanks" after songs), bassist Stewart Henderson kept the banter alive. Though his heavy Scottish brogue was often less than comprehensible, a story about an unfortunate mishap in their bus's bathroom was very clear and hilarious. Unfortunately for the non-attendees, he swore the audience to secrecy on the details.
After closing with the swelling "Now & Forever," the Delgados exited the stage and the traditional waiting period began. If encores were actually earned anymore, this crowd would have failed miserably. Those in the by then half-empty Black Cat half-heartedly clapped sporadically for several minutes. The situation looked grim, yet the guitar tech very obviously set up for the band's return.
The Delgados re-emerged for "Sink or Swim" and the older "No Danger." The latter's would-be sing-along amazed those who stuck around with its repeated decree, "'Cause we don't know we're strong enough / And chances come too soon / But people, people, we're not in love / And now we're singing out of tune." In actuality, Woodward's lead and Pollock's harmonies were completely flawless, and people left in love with this band.
Opening act Crooked Fingers drew many of their own fans. Typically a full band, on this occasion Eric Bachman (formerly of Archers Of Loaf) played by his lonesome. The Delgados' keyboardist-cellist joined him for a couple songs, and Emma Pollock helped with vocals on the new "Sleep All Summer." Bachman's smooth vocals were well-received even by strangers to his music, and his pretty acoustic set blurred in the best way possible. It was the perfect low-key beginning for a Sunday night out.
