26 July 2011 (gig)
30 July 2011
Over 20 years, and more than as many albums, it’s a wonder that the inimitable marvel that is The Tiger Lillies are not more widely known. Or so one might believe. But with a cult following that stretches as far west as San Francisco and as east as Russia they have exposed the darker recesses of life with songs about pimps and prostitutes, junkies and psychopaths, with no taboo left unexposed to their lyrical talents. Musically they are difficult to pigeonhole, and if you’ve never heard them then the easiest descriptive words to use are lifted from their own website – a mixture of opera, gypsy song and left bank Paris. Certainly their string of performance at the Soho Theatre throughout July showcase a cabaret of wry humour and deft musical talent. Nominated for a Grammy, lauded by Matt Groening and David Byrne, once experienced it really is difficult not to fall in love with them.
The Tiger Lillies are Adrian Huge on percussion and backing vocals, Adrian Stout on double bass, Theremin and musical saw; and singer-songwriter Martyn Jacques who not only tinkles on the piano and strums the guitar but plays a resplendent looking emerald and crimson accordion and literally sings like an angel (albeit a fallen one) lamenting the baser side of humanity with his castrati voice, Dickensian attire and mummers makeup. During July they are at The Soho Theatre performing a selection of songs from their 1998 album ‘Low Life Lullabies’, along with songs from their back catalogue, including some more recent material.
The albums are of course an acquired taste. But, the live experience is a lot more endearing and visceral, as the three musicians, all dressed up for the part, deliver the set with a mischievous vaudeville glint in the eye. Plenty of clever subtleties in the music add to the melancholic, bittersweet or humorous mood of each song. I found it a little unsettling how one song about a wretched prostitute would shock and tug at the heartstrings, whilst another would have you belly laughing at a similar poor lass’s twisted misfortune. But such is the fickle nature of humour.
Some of the songs are unashamedly crass – ‘Aunty Mabel’ being the stand out ode to vulgarity tonight – and there really are a lot of songs about prostitutes. However, at times there are moments that are akin to Lou Reed or Burt Bacharach in their elegance.
The Tiger Lillies have been around for a while now, and it’ll be interesting to see if they get picked up by a younger generation. Either way, they’ve enough diehard fans in many corners of the world revelling in their ability to bring witty lyrics and sweet melody to the otherwise corrupt and squalid aspects of humanity.
