Okkervil River - Corner Hotel - 26th February 2008
Featuring: Okkervil River
Written by: Ed Butler
Published: Feb 26th '08
Upon arriving early at Okkervil River’s sideshow at the Corner on a gorgeous, warm Melbourne evening, one wondered whether the diehard fans arrayed along the front of the stage knew of the sweaty, immersive experience they were in for. Will Sheff, Okkervil River’s frontman looked so harmless on emerging, centre stage, bespectacled and be-suited. Opening proceedings with a stripped-back acoustic effort seemingly confirmed this, providing a gentle introduction to the night’s festivities. Then, sometime between first and second songs, the glasses came off, and Sheff metamorphosed into a roaring, spewing, fiery rock ‘n’ roll deity.
Okkervil River’s great strength is the ability to write songs that could work as a simple acoustic ballad, then rocking them to within an inch of their lives. Sheff, possessed of a booming voice which alternates between dramatic croon and demonic moan, was the unquestioned star of the show. Taking tracks lifted equally from the entire back catalogue he delivered them as a firebrand rock preacher straight from the pulpit.
After opening the full set on a subdued note, Okkervil wrapped things up on a thrilling high, with ‘Our Life Is Not a Movie or Maybe’ and ‘Unless It’s Kicks’. Sheff howled his way through both tracks lifting what were already cracking songs to a new, thumping level.
With songs ranging from gentle balladry to driving rock anthems, Okkervil River treated a devoted Melbourne crowd to a set of impassioned, powerful rock ‘n’ roll, and Will Sheff, assisted by his own unique Texan Jekkyl and Hyde show, anointed himself as one of the new generation of rock gods.
