Levi's Ones To Watch: The Changes

+ The Modelz, Electric City

Camden Barfly, London - 16 Oct 2007

by Jon Fletcher

Chicago lads shine infront of a tiny Camden audience

"One of those rare performances that are almost physical – goose bumps, spine tingling, whatever you want to call it - it's simply brilliant"

There was a message thread posted on Drowned in Sound the other day bemoaning the fact that the writer was "bored with gigs". It’s a familiar sensation. Anyone who listens to a lot of music inevitably goes through periods when everything feels a bit bland, just as we all go through periods when we seem to be drowning in life altering musical genius. It might sound like gloating, but watching The Changes play the Camden Barfly on the final leg of their UK tour, part of the Levis Ones To Watch series, places us firmly in the latter group.

But before we get to see The Changes, we have to sit through The Modelz and Electric City. The former’s listenable but unmemorable cockney rock is most notable for its peculiar percussion, as though the drummer is playing backing to totally different songs, albeit with the same time signatures. Electric City prove themselves to be equally competent and equally beige, the immense effort they must have put into their hair dos far outweighing the punch of their music.


Hair don't | Electric City put style over substance
© Jon Fletcher / New Noise Ltd

It is unfair but unsurprising then, that when The Changes arrive on stage, there can’t be more than 25 people to watch them. Are they fazed? Are they bollocks.

Singer Darren Spitzer has one of those faces that seems perpetually on the brink of hilarity. He somehow manages not only to hide any kind of disappointment that this UK send off should be so poorly attended, but he’s also totally convincing in his claims that the band is having the time of their lives.

The band’s music is richly textured and intensely human, delivered without drama or pretence. The peaks and troughs have an intelligence and subtlety that only adds to their power. It is one of those rare performances that are almost physical – goose bumps, spine tingling, whatever you want to call it - it's simply brilliant.


Singing the Changes | Spitzer shares a joke with the crowd
© Jon Fletcher / New Noise Ltd

In between songs, the band is relaxed and engaging, necking some celebratory shots of whiskey by way of an encore. It adds up to one of the best shows we’ve seen this year and best of all, we hardly had to share it with anyone. Nights like tonight are why live music is always worth the hassle.
HC said on October 28th 2007 [report abuse]

Absolutely LOVE the Changes - they've provided my soundtrack to the last 18 months, and putting on the album feels like calling up a best friend. It never gets boring and every time I hear it I'm charmed all over again. And they are lovely guys too. Glad to see they're getting some attention from the press! Especially considering that gig was so undeservedly empty.

Mel said on December 21st 2007 [report abuse]

The band voted as best on the night was the unmemorable cockney rock of the Modelz. It's a shame that you had to sit through them. It must have been such a drag especially as there are no seats at the Barfly ! Seems most people who attended agreed as it was full house for the first two bands. Shame .

laura s said on February 22nd 2008 [report abuse]

well id just like to say i think electric city are great, its new music thts totally diffrent from what else is out there! and who cares if they make an effort on looking good, people are always complaining about guys that dont dress nicely at least they do! x

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