After 33 years, Tindersticks have probably left it too late to become household names and they seem happy with their ‘cult band’ status and ‘critically acclaimed’ badge. But then there aren’t many cult bands that can attract large crowds at venues of the Beacon’s size so they must still be doing something right.
This return to Bristol for the band was one of only a handful of UK appearances on a European tour. They have always been far more appreciated on the continent, where various members of the Nottingham-formed band have lived for years.
On tour to promote their critically acclaimed 14th album, Soft Tissue, Tindersticks surprised many fans by performing a short half-hour opener before the main set. This delicious appetiser included Waiting For The Moon, a 2003 song the band have rarely played live in recent years.
By the time the band returned after a short interval, what can only be described as a reverent silence fell over the crowd. Tindersticks’ fiercely loyal fans have always been a studious and scholarly bunch.
Now 58, frontman Stuart Staples has slowly metamorphosed into a cross between Tom Waits and a French farmer. With his battered hat, crumpled suit and droopy handlebar moustache, he has a lugubrious, careworn look and a fruity baritone singing voice that can only be likened to Bryan Ferry’s deep croon.
As well as Staples, there are two original members left – ace guitarist Neil Fraser and keyboardist Dave Boulter – although American drummer and percussionist Earl Harvin and bass player Dan McKinna have become regular members in recent years.
Performing for 90 minutes, the second set concentrated mostly on material from the new album. Tindersticks gigs have never been too backwards-looking and they seem reluctant to delve too far back into the extensive back catalogue.
The pin-sharp musicianship was accentuated by the crystal clear sound and improved acoustics of the hall. From Harvin’s delicate drum brushes to the swirling 60s-style organ sound from Boulter, and from Fraser’s shimmering guitar work to Staples’ sonorous vocals, the sound was full and cinematic.
New World, Turned My Back (with bass player Dan McKinna providing some impressive backing vocals) and Don’t Walk, Run were among the stand-out songs from the new album, although a rousing version of Always a Stranger – the band’s best song in years – was the highlight for me.
A well-deserved three-song encore included a jubilant Pinky in the Daylight and a stunning version of For The Beauty.
Beautiful songs and masterful musicianship may not be enough to make Tindersticks chart-toppers but for those of us who have followed them for years, it’s more than enough and this was a gig to savour.