The Boy Least Likely To ended their US tour with an amazing show at Spaceland last Saturday. Apparently, this tour has been an incredibly successful one for the BLLT. Not only were they the opening act for James Blunt (the guy with the Youre Beautiful song that you want to hate, but seems to stick in your head even though youve only heard it once on Oprah), but they were also just listed in Rolling Stone as one of the 10 artists to watch this year. After seeing their live show and listening to their record in excess, I can see why the BLLT is receiving these accolades. Not too bad for two guys who recorded a record in their bedroom and had to fashion a band out of their friends, in order to tour.
The BLLT has been consistently described as twee pop, but Id like to think of them more as bedroom pop, that at first listen sounds like it should be for children except for the fact that it has rather biting lyrics at times. They have that same glaze that Belle & Sebastian has in which their music is happy, yet not all of the lyrics are. Its a beautiful dichotomy. On stage, they deliver these pretty musical harmonies with tons of energy. Lead singer Jof Owen, feverishly claps his hands and stomps his feet so hard it looks as if he is going to put a hole in the floor. He also loves to tell the audience what odd instrument he is playing and proceeds to demonstrate the sound it will make during the song in which it will be used. Its all very charming to watch.
The eerie sounding song Monsters describes people you knew growing up getting married and having children, and not being able to relate. Im Glad I Hitched My Apple Wagon To Your Star is a whimsical song that describes being in love and got a great response from the audience. You cant help but smile when you hear the chorus. The highlight of BLLTs set was when they sang Be Gentle With Me in which Jof Owen sings If I wasnt so happy, I wouldnt be so scared of dying. I think that sums up my feeling right at that moment.
