Shelleyan Orphan - Slaughtered Lamb, London, 16/4/2009
by Anthony Strutt
published: 18 / 4 / 2009
intro
At a sparsely attended gig at the Slaughtered Lamb in London, Anthony Strutt watches reformed 80s duo Shelleyan Orphan play a lushly beautiful and intimate set
The Slaughtered Lamb is a venue, which to be honest, I had never heard of until about a week before this gig. Beth Orton did a secret show there to plug the remaster of ‘Trailer Park’, but I couldn't make it. It is a venue that hosts a lot of secret warm ups and which is in a basement of a trendy pub that is full of luxury sofas. Despite this Shelleyan Orphan play to a mere 23 punters including support bands and girlfriends and bar staff, which is frankly shocking. Tonight the gig is unplugged and acoustic and Shelleyan perform as a two piece. The music is soft and lush and very beautiful. Caroline Crawley and Jem Tayle play to the mere few with such a warm intense feeling that, despite the small audience, their lovely songs are instantly very cheering for everyone there. They play just guitar, a squeeze box machine and something that is between both as well as both sing, and they even throw in a cover of T Rex's ‘Life's a Gas’. This was a totally blissful experience for everyone who made the effort and was well worth the trip.
Picture Gallery:-
interviews |
Interview (2009) |
Classically-influenced group Shelleyan Orphan caused surprising controversy in the 1980s. John Clarkson talks to Caroline Crawley and Jem Tayle from the group about those years, their recent reformation and much acclaimed new album, 'We Have Everything We Need' |
reviews |
We Have Everything We Need (2008) |
Experimental, eclectic alternative pop on fine fourth album from Bournmouth-based duo Shelleyann Orphan, who are back after a sixteen year hiatus |
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
My Life Story - Loving You is Killing Me
David Cross Band - Ice Blue Silver Sky
Beyonce - Cowboy Carter
Ty Segall - Three Bells
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