Cousteau must be utterly sick by now of constant comparisons to Scott Walker and the Tindersticks. No review or article fails to remark on the likeness: the suave appearance, the baritone croon, the melancholic tunes, the critical acclaim outweighing commercial success. So, live, just where do these comparisons end and the real Cousteau begin?
Tonight we witness what feels like a very special show. The elegant confines of the venue provide the perfect intimate atmosphere this evening, with it's red curtain backdrop and high ornate ceilings. Cousteau begin with a soulful rendition of 'How Will I Know', a standout track from their debut album. Singer Liam McKahey cuts a strange and unconventionally enigmatic dash; suited, pierced, tattooed, and with a voice that transcends appearances. The fact is, if you could sing like that (and Scott Walker in fairness is the nearest comparison), you would. Criticism of copying is obsolete as Liam is equally cursed and blessed; what's the guy meant to do, pretend he can't sing?
'Your Day Will Come' sounds almost sinister tonight, and the band play with conviction. Like The Bad Seeds they layer the sound, complimenting and contradicting each other constantly. During the show you would be forgiven for wishing everyone was wearing ball gowns and dancing (surely it would be more appropriately picturesque) rather than standing around smoking and chattering. But you can't have everything. It's enough that they treat us to a rare B- Side and a new song, an archetypal Cousteau number entitled 'Love Let Me Go'. With it's piano intro and swooping chorus you could say they're hardly treading new ground, but its waltz rhythms could seduce even the most cynical critic into a daydream.
'(Shades Of) Ruinous Blue' ventures into Bowie territory vocally, with it's beguiling lyrics "there's brooding and moody truths, moving through the moonlight. The world's lonely edge, there be monsters hedging no tomorrow". Any song that mentions monsters in it's chorus has got to be great.
They follow this with "a medley of our greatest hit" (see! They have a sense of humour too!) or, the hit that never was, 'Last Good Day Of The Year'. It's something of a lost gem, which might just be discovered by the majority, with the re-release of Cousteau's re- recorded debut album.
After a two song encore they leave the stage, and you know what? Tonight, they shone very much with their own unique light.
Images: Debbie Smyth
