The Polyphonic Spree go Carnivale!

Posted by Kate Scantleton in Features, Reviews | 41 comments

Words: Clare Kempnich
Pictures: Kate Scantleton

Attending The Polyphonic Spree’s performance at the Powerhouse last Friday night was, for me, much like achieving a life long goal. After missing their performance at Splendour in the Grass in 2008, (and having to listen to endless recounts of their fantastic set), I vowed that I wouldn’t miss them a second time around. I approached their gig, (part of the venue’s Carnivale hosted by Southern Comfort) with only the highest of expectations and, as hoped, they didn’t fail to deliver.

The orchestral-like band, throughout their history have consisted of 13 -27 members (I believe I counted 18 for this set) including in their ranks, amongst others; a flautist, cellist and a trombonist. The cumulative enthusiasm that The Polyphonic Spree displayed during their almost two hour-long performance was something that is not always experienced when viewing live music; they seemed to be enjoying playing to the crowd as much as the crowd enjoyed singing along to them. And enjoy it we did: chanting away to the old classics like Hold Me Now and Light and Day/Reach For the Sun.

At this point of the set I wasn’t sure it could get much better: the band were lively and frontman Tim DeLaughter was charismatic and charming as they started to perform some of their newer songs. From album to album, The Polyphonic Spree’s music retains a feel-good, “choral symphonic rock” quality (as described by DeLaughter), although perhaps a more mature range of sounds and lyrics is evident on the The Fragile Army album when comparing to Together We’re Heavy; but there was no doubt that both styles were well-received by the audience.

Perhaps my favourite part of the set were the cover-versions that the band performed. A spectacular version of Guns N’ Roses Live and Let Die was first up and it amazed me how they managed to perform such a rough, rock song in true Polyphonic Spree style. The band complemented the song perfectly and, for me, this was the highlight of the gig.

Audience participation, thankfully, was entirely appreciated by the band. Singing, dancing and chanting were not only encouraged, but proved integral to the bands’ encore. After a performance of Section 32: The Championship, DeLaughter left the audience repeating the mantra-like lines ‘all in good time/raise your voice’ whilst the band disappeared off stage for a good ten minutes. upon the return, the band were decked in their infamous white robes, a costume which has rendered certain fans to label the band a ‘cult’ (which DeLaughter flatly denies). Their encore was simply beautiful, including an amazing rendition of Nirvana’s Lithium and Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline.

After their performance had come to an end, I was left speechless. Not only had their set met my expectations, but exceeded them completely. It is not often that a band of The Polyphonic Spree’s calibre perform with such intimacy; the band members wanted to be there, and as a fan, I appreciated this more than ever. DeLaughter even spent time after the gig chatting to front-row fans; something which I can honestly say I haven’t seen before from a headlining act.

The set wasn’t just an ordinary example of live music; it was a truly outstanding performance and something that I won’t forget for a long time.