Camera Obscura
Camera Obscura
Antone's
Austin, Texas
Glasgow, Scotland indie rock-pop sextet Camera Obscura, formed in 1996, played recently to a packed house at the fabled Antone’s promoting their latest studio album, the bittersweet largely ‘60s musical throwback My Maudlin Career. For the night, the ensemble was focused, steady and balanced in their repertoire with upbeat sides and slow, somber numbers. Violist/keyboardist Anna Rossi, who opened up for the group, was even invited to perform a song with them.
Front woman Tracyanne Campbell’s calming, mellow voice was indecipherable at times, but the danceable grooves seemed to make up for it. If one paid attention closely, they would find snippets of classic Motown era melodies, Phil Spector-ish flourishes, and early Beach Boys lightweight fun-in-the-sun touches throughout their performance, and this should be enough for those trying to follow Tracyanne’s thick Scottish accent (on record, her voice is much more clear and crisp). “How do we have fun?” Tracyanne asked the crowd. “By having more beer!” This makes up for it too.
Despite their confessional songs and insistent rhythms exuding a jovial ambiance, there seemed to be too many of those in attendance engaged in conversations. And that’s unfortunate because the mostly mid-tempo numbers, smart yet catchy lyricism, and the band’s interesting mix of musical tastes should have been given much more attention. The ‘60s-saturated single “French Navy,” the sweet melody of “The Sweetest Thing,” “Honey In the Sun,” and the beautiful “My Maudlin Career” were highlights, and if one didn’t have a clue as to what songs were performed, the album was conveniently available for purchase right on the spot. Camera Obscura’s live performances may not be as much praised as their recordings (they were championed by the late, influential and legendary John Peel), but they’re solid enough to stand on their own.
by Jeff Boyce
Antone's
Austin, Texas
Front woman Tracyanne Campbell’s calming, mellow voice was indecipherable at times, but the danceable grooves seemed to make up for it. If one paid attention closely, they would find snippets of classic Motown era melodies, Phil Spector-ish flourishes, and early Beach Boys lightweight fun-in-the-sun touches throughout their performance, and this should be enough for those trying to follow Tracyanne’s thick Scottish accent (on record, her voice is much more clear and crisp). “How do we have fun?” Tracyanne asked the crowd. “By having more beer!” This makes up for it too.
Despite their confessional songs and insistent rhythms exuding a jovial ambiance, there seemed to be too many of those in attendance engaged in conversations. And that’s unfortunate because the mostly mid-tempo numbers, smart yet catchy lyricism, and the band’s interesting mix of musical tastes should have been given much more attention. The ‘60s-saturated single “French Navy,” the sweet melody of “The Sweetest Thing,” “Honey In the Sun,” and the beautiful “My Maudlin Career” were highlights, and if one didn’t have a clue as to what songs were performed, the album was conveniently available for purchase right on the spot. Camera Obscura’s live performances may not be as much praised as their recordings (they were championed by the late, influential and legendary John Peel), but they’re solid enough to stand on their own.
by Jeff Boyce
