Show Review: The Twilight Singers @ The Parish

After the relatively low-fi, low-tech environs of Antone’s, a show at the Parish was in order. Since the remodel, the Parish has been a favorite for audiophiles that enjoy a light show beyond CFL’s with colored Saran Wrap over them to illuminate the performers. Margot & the Nuclear So and So’s open for Mr. Dullli in his current incarnation with The Twilight Singers. Many friends in tow, Afghan Whigs fans and loyalists to Margot filled the venue on a Tuesday. Continued…

Taking the opening slot for a band with a veteran following can be a blessing and curse. How do you grab attention and not be derivative? Well, Margot & the Nuclear So and So’s did so with catchy, poppy and moody tunes that change time and keep you a bit on your toes by varying styles. Being out of a nearby Indianapolis, my beloved and now silent Woxy showed M&SandS love with regular airplay and few in-studios during woxy’s time in Cincy. One can certainly read in some Afghan Whigs influence. I like this band. You have to. Even on an indie label, they have two releases of the same album with different song choices and mixes because the label disagreed with the artist’s choices.

The venue buzzed as songs like “At the Carnival” flowed from the six members, Richard Edwards leading the way. Best song awards go to tracks on the earlier albums; “Skeleton Key” and “Quiet as a Mouse” rewarded loyal fans and won new listeners.

Greg Dulli and company took to the stage after a few of the Margot people departed (surprising really). “Y’all wanna party?” Yes, Greg, always. The band got to work with “Last Night in Town” and “Fat City”, a new song and an old song – these were really strong openers. “Bonnie Brae” was the next big moment for me. You can see the effort these gentlemen (get it?) put in to sounding good. Dulli is a front man and he has great musicians on stage with him – and, bonus, the venue suited the man and the band. The candelabra chandeliers and wall sconces, warm colors and great lighting and sound.

Greg took to the piano for three songs of the rather long set list; “She Was Stolen” from Dynamite Steps was first, “Candy Cane Crawl” was the powerful song and “The Killer” led off the encore. Away from the ivories, “On the Corner” was in my notes as brilliant. Playful work-ins included verses from “Miles Iz Dead”, Pink Floyd melodies and I think a Kanye West line or two. “Esta Noche” featured a refrain of “Everlasting Love”, such a strange contrast.

Let’s face it, Dulli can craft moody, screaming, melodic rock songs out of his life experiences. A friend of mine that typically doesn’t “get” music like this was all about The Twilight Singers at the end of the night. That’s the best compliment a musician can get, right?

More pics are avialable over at the photog site here.