BELLE AND SEBASTIAN | LIVE REVIEW
St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Sun 3 May
“It’s nice to be nice” was the running theme of Belle And Sebastian’s recent Cardiff show, and nice they were. Opening with Nobody’s Empire from their latest album Girls In Peacetime Want To Dance, the atmosphere in St David’s Hall changed immediately from rather bored (I’m looking at you, support act Lower Dens) into something like a friend’s house party. Albeit a friend with massive house and a predominately middle aged social circle.
The aisles were filled with people dancing for the entire night and there were raucous cheers for crowd favourites like closer The Boy With The Arab Strap. From up onstage, lead singer Stuart Murdoch engaged the crowd with anecdotes and jokes from their previous trips to Wales and recent tour, furthering the feeling of us all just being his mates. Being able to chat with a crowd might not sound like much but it’s an underappreciated skill, and that’s the thing with Belle and Sebastian: a group defined by their understated talent.
Throughout the night, members of the band switched instruments and roles with little fanfare and fuss. Their set was an effortless blend of new material and older hits and the accompanying video segments didn’t feel contrived, nor over the top but fitted in well. Despite having nine albums from which to construct a setlist, there were very few surprises, but there didn’t need to be any. They were filled with a relaxed energy and confidence that comes from a near-20-year long career based around basically doing whatever they liked, and having had their laissez-faire approach rewarded by the dedication of their fans and the consistent praise of the music press. It made for an excellent evening and a triumphant return to Wales, where they haven’t played for almost 15 years.
Later this year, they will play a few more dates close by, including Festival No.6 in Portmeirion; if you’re a fan of wistful pop music played exceedingly well, jokes told in Scottish accents or perhaps want an authentic soundtrack to your misguided 90s revival outfit then you shouldn’t miss them. I just ask that you leave your bucket hat at home.
words ALEX CORNISH photo SOREN SOLKAER STARBIRD