Bright Eyes at Rock City, Nottingham, February 9
Photo by Andy Cook
After a few questionable performances, that John Peel rant and a rather public breakdown, Conor Oberst’s indie credentials have been suffering of late. But with four years of silence, The People’s Key has brought a new lease of life to the lacklustre three piece.
Tonight emerging clean cut Oberst brings the raucous crowd to a standstill for dark opener ‘Firewall’. Then he’s spitting out lyrics on ‘Sunrise, Sunset’ pacing the stage like a wild teenager possessed before turning to the raw, heartfelt lyrics of ‘Lua’.
Leaning on The People’s Key ‘Approximate Sunlight’ echoes with a haunting quality while ‘Haile Selassie’ brings little of I’m Wide Awake It’s Morning with an electro twist. Moving into ‘Something Vague’ the huge band parades in horn solos and layered synths bringing the finale to an infinite high.
As Conor points to the crowd singing “one for you, and one for me” he smiles broadly, showing that he’s not yet ready to give up on his first love.
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