As the numerous members of Memphis based alt country collective Lambchop wander unhurriedly back on to the stage in preparation for this evening's encore it becomes increasingly obvious that one of their number is missing.
The band's rather sheepish looking drummer finally emerges, no doubt from the lengthy queue outside his group's dressing room toilets, and thus the logistics of keeping tabs on a thirteen-piece band on tour are gradually brought into focus.
That Lambchop can be bothered to organise a tour at all is one thing. The fact that this unwieldy line-up are making their second visit to the South Bank in just two months exhibits an impressive commitment for which, on the basis of tonight's performance, we should be truly grateful.
As if out to prove that appearances can be deceptive, Lambchop take to the stage tonight looking for all the world like a pack of 1970's Open University lecturers who just happened to have stumbled into the wrong lecture theatre. Undeterred however, the set they eventually deliver exudes stylish authenticity and fragile beauty from its every pore.
Despite being six albums into their career Lambchop have only recently been able to fill venues as cavernous and opulent as the Royal Festival Hall. This year's beautifully understated epic 'Nixon', however, has attracted a legion of fans, many of whom look about as far removed from the blue collar soul searching origins of true country soul as it is possible to get. This irony seems not to be lost on Lambchop's inspirational leader, Kurt Wagner, who remarks on the unfailing politeness of his audience. The Grand Ole Opry this is not.
In the end, however, it takes just a couple of familiar favourites to rouse the Audi set from their reserved slumber. The rapier-sharp sweet soul guitar and driving melody of 'Up With People' sounds absolutely majestic whilst, in the second half 'Nixon' favourites such as 'The Old Gold Shoe' eventually give way to the unbridled funk of this evening's encore.
Lambchop's music has always had a considered serenity which sets it apart from the rest of the alt country crop and in this sense the Festival Hall is a wonderfully civilised setting for this spellbinding musical treat.
