Sophia - Bush Hall, London, 18/11/2003
by Jon Rogers
published: 23 / 11 / 2003
intro
As a prelude to a European tour and their new album 'People are Like Seasons', both of which are due early next year, Sophia recently played a low-key gig at the London Bush Hall. From uncertain beginnings Jon Rogers finds them on fine form
"We love you Robin," shouted some eager punter. "No, we really love you." Sophia certainly has some dedicated fans. Playing in the plush surroundings of the Bush Hall, Sophia played what is usually dubbed a low-key gig to debut for the first time a selection of new songs from their forthcoming album 'People are Like Seasons.' Joining the usual band set-up on the tiny stage was a string quartet to add extra depth and subtlety. Robin Proper-Sheppard is on fine, jovial form as he and the band showcase the latest batch of introspective, heartfelt songs of self-doubt and melancholy. He humourously berates a woman for laughing halfway through an encore: "I'm laying my heart open while you're telling knock-knock jokes..." As with any test drive things aren't yet perfectly polished and well defined and at times it's all a little shaky and uncertain with a couple of fumbled beginnings. But that just adds to the charm of the occasion. It's all trial and error. Anyway, if you want glitz and a slick, polished performance I'm sure the latest pop puppet will be lip-synching to their greatest hits at a soulless stadium near you soon. The new songs, such as 'Fool', 'Swore to Myself' and 'The Desert Song No 2' see the band mine the usual areas of emotional vulnerability. Songs once again often rise up from a simple acoustic guitar with layers of drums, piano and strings added one by, reminscent of 'On the Beach' era Neil Young or the expanse of Galaxie 500 as the intensity builds-up brick by brick. Along with the new songs, favourites like 'Bastards' and 'The River Song' also get an airing. Ending the set is the out-and-out, testosterone-fuelled rocker 'If a Change is Gonna Come'. It's unapologetic and unrepentant and hurtles along. The tone swiftly changes for the first encore 'So Slow' which sees Proper-Sheppard return to perform with the string section only before the rest of the group are called back on stage. Hopefully, the album will match the early promise of this first outing. It looks very likely.
Picture Gallery:-
interviews |
Interview (2009) |
Sarah Maybank finds Jon Spencer to be in aggressive mood when she speaks to him about Heavy Trash's new album, 'Midnight Soul Mood', and how he divides his time between it and his other band, the Blues Explosion |
Interview with Robin Proper-Sheppard (2004) |
reviews |
There Are No Goodbyes (2009) |
Understated and slow-growing, but ultimately rewarding fifth album from Sophia, which depicts in powerful detail the agony of a relationship having gone sour |
People Are Like Seasons (2003) |
Seduction Of Madness (2002) |
De Nachten (2001) |
most viewed articles
current edition
The Church - Interview with Steve KilbeySimon Heavisides - Destiny Stopped Screaming: The Life and Times of Adrian Borland
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #15- On Being Dignified and Old aka Ten Tips From Jah Wobble On How To Be Happy.
Secret Shine - Interview
Vetchinsky Settings - Interview
Repomen - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Jack Roscoe - Interview
Sami Sumner - Interview
Near Jazz Experience - Interview
Flaming Stars - Interview
previous editions
Heavenly - P.U.N.K. Girl EPPrisoners - Interview
Joy Division - The Image That Made Me Weep
Allan Clarke - Interview
Michael Lindsay Hogg - Interview
Jimmy Nail - Interview
Jonny Fluffypunk - Interview
Joy Division - The Image That Made Me Weep
Dwina Gibb - Interview
Bluebells - Interview with Ken McCluskey
most viewed reviews
current edition
Lewis 'Burner' Pugh - Bullets for BreadIan Hunter - Defiance Part 2: Fiction
Inutili - A Love Supreme
Kula Shaker - Natural Magick
Smalltown Tigers - Crush On You
Hillbilly Moon Explosion - Back in Time
David Cross Band - Ice Blue Silver Sky
My Life Story - Loving You is Killing Me
Beyonce - Cowboy Carter
Ty Segall - Three Bells
related articles |
Black Site: Interview (2015 |
The Black Site are a new raw blues/avant-garde rock duo which features ex-members of Madam and Sophia. Dominic Simpson talks to them about their forthcoming appearance at our next Pennyblackmusic Bands' Night |
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart