The Last Shadow Puppets

It’s always a pleasure coming to Hackney Empire and it's extra special when the group comes this highly rated. I’m thinking back to Reading festival’s NME tent some moons ago when I first saw TLSP in all their glory. That moment also coincided with my first mushrooms experience and I can safely say I thought they were the best band I’d ever seen in my entire life. I have often wondered how much was down to chemistry but tonight’s acid test was one I was relishing and almost sober too.

As the frontman of Arctic Monkeys, Alex Turner needs no introduction. Well known for his Sheffield accent he seems to have developed an Elvis persona for TLSP. His adopted ‘Elvis in Vegas’ squall is minus the “uh-huh-huh” but includes the “thank you very much”. His pale, tight suit looks like something a flamenco dancer would wear while Miles Kane in a similar pale suit, sports the Miami Vice open shirt look.

‘Calm Like You’ kicks off proceedings with Alex on vocals showcasing his slicked back hairstyle, outstretched poses and little hip shimmies. Second song and first single of the new album, ‘Bad Habits’ sees Miles take over vocal duties in this successful partnership. The crowd play their part too, even singing along to many of the newer songs as the seven-piece band, including two violins and a tux wearing keyboardist, ply their trade with ease.

‘The Age Of The Understatement’ is welcomed with glee as Alex continues striking poses in a display of well-founded confidence. Judging by this performance the new album will be a sure fire hit, well worked arrangements seeing guitars, strings, and keyboard eloquently combine. But its the strains of their signature tune "I'm sorry I met you darling" from 'The Meeting Place' that has one of the biggest reactions.

With a wealth of material seeming to flow from each it feels like TLSP are still in their infancy. As for my acid test, the gig was a resounding success and lived up to expectations. Although the odd extra may surely heighten an already worthy set.

The encore consisted of the Psychedelic I Want You morphed with The Beatles ’She’s So Heavy’ and ’Standing Next To Me’ brought the curtain down on a splendid night at the Hackney Empire. Bravo.

Set list:

Black Plant (string intro)
Calm Like You
Bad Habits
The Age Of The Understatement
The Element of Surprise
Separate And Ever Deadly
The Chamber
Only The Truth
Pattern
My Mistakes Were Made For You
Miracle Aligner
Dracula Teeth
Everything You've Come to Expect
The Meeting Place
Aviation
Ain't Had No Lovin'
(Connie Smith cover) (tease)
Sweet Dreams, TN
In My Room

Encore:
I Want You
(She’s So Heavy - The Beatles cover)
The Dream Synopsis
Standing Next To Me