Emma Pollock and the Hungry Pines

The Delgados were one of the best indie bands of the last decade, but I never got to see them live before they disbanded. They played the Crocodile after releasing their best album, Peloton, but I got sick and missed the show. I've always regretted missing it, and last Thursday's Emma Pollock show at the Crocodile was my best chance to remedy that.

Before Pollock took the stage, The Hungry Pines had their chance. They haven't released an album yet, but I thought they were exceptional. Their lead singer, the quite adorable Irene Barber, hid on the side of the stage and behind her bangs, but her confidence grew throughout the night. She has a surprising voice that allows the band to move from shoegaze to more indie pop sounds.

I found myself bobbing my head happily, getting into the songs in a way I rarely do for openers that I don't know. The rhythm section, center stage like the backbone of the band, was really solid -- and lead guitarist Chrysti Harrison added interest with some great licks. I think The Hungry Pines might become the hot new Seattle band over the next few months. Have a listen.

On to the headliner...

I had high expectations for Emma Pollock based on Watch the Fireworks, her stellar debut as a solo artist. She didn't quite live up to those expectations, but I think it had more to do with the crowd than her performance. The Crocodile is a small venue, but it felt empty as she took the stage. Noticeably empty, feel bad for the performer empty.

I might have started to feel bad for her, but she shook it off and came out rocking. The first couple songs were all glittery guitar goodness. Her voice was angelic -- It has always sounded great on record and it was a revelation live. Her band was solid. I thought I was about to be treated to one of those tiny shows that years later thousands of people claimed to have attended.

But then she slowed things down and the small crowd started to affect her. She did her best to deal with a couple rude drunks and the general lack of energy from the crowd, but I think she wasn't used to the small crowds after playing with the Delgados and then opening for New Pornographers. Despite some good onstage chatter about the Glasgow music scene and filming a video, she had lost her momentum.

I think Pollock's problem was that she didn't have enough songs to overcome the awkwardness of a small crowd. With just one album under her belt, she has only 5 really solid, rocking live songs that work in any situation: "Paper and Glue" (her best song live), "Acid Test", "If Silence Means That Much to You","Adrenaline," and "Hear Comes the Heartbreak." Those songs were great, but it might have been a more dynamic concert if she filled in the gaps with some Delgados songs -- they are partly hers after all. I know that would have helped me enjoy the show more and would have made up for my missing that Delgados show years ago.

It was a still a good show, and I'm still a fan of Watch the Fireworks. I guess my expectations just didn't match the audience.

Upcoming concerts:
Dec 4: Voxtrot, Tullycraft, and Math and Physics Club at Neumos
Dec 7: Scotland Yard Gospel Choir at the High Dive