Live Review: Bob Evans, Tigertown, Davey Lane

When Davey Lane (of You Am I fame) arrives onstage, the crowd is predominantly middle-aged couples a little too happy to be out of the house on a Saturday. This, however, is perfect for the very serviceable acoustic singer-songwriter vibe that dominates the first part of his set. His voice is particularly strong, but when he departs into more ambient electric guitar-based songs, there's a distinct lack of interesting melodies to anchor his sound. This is particularly disappointing later on when he returns as Bob Evans's guitarist, ripping out some really interesting solos with a flare that's missing here.

It takes a lot of work for a band whose members are wearing both a fedora and a sailor hat to still remain likeable, but Tigertown just about manage it. They just seem so psyched to be here, and that energy translates to a committed and heartfelt performance. Their sound is based on vocal harmonies, and most of the time they work, but there's a sense of everyone singing their guts out in every note of every song, which doesn't leave room for any light and shade and makes much of the set blend together in a pleasant, but slightly unsatisfying experience. Lead vocalist Charlie Collins has the strongest voice of the group, and their sound would definitely benefit from giving her more time in the spotlight uncluttered with passionate harmonies and atmospherics. 

Kevin Mitchell has spoken about how he created the Bob Evans alter-ego to express different and softer musical ideas and emotions than were possible in the confines of Jebediah's fun, snarky rock. Live, however, he still puts on one heck of an exciting, often rockin', show. Even songs from his most recent album Familiar Stranger, which on record are at times too wishy-washy and classic rock-inspired, have a lot more heft when backed by this tight and confident band. The most striking thing about these songs is Mitchell's obvious ingrained talent for melody, with tunes so catchy other band members often absently sing along off-mic. The setlist tonight spans a nice mix of the last three Bob Evans records, heavier tracks like We're A Mess and Pasha Bulker from Goodnight, Bull Creek are a nice counterweight to Suburban Songbook's sweet lilting ballads. Mitchell comes out into the crowd to sing Don't You Think It's Time, a nice moment that's only slightly dampened by the ladies singing the wrong words out of tune behind him. For an encore we get For Today, off his little played first album Suburban Kid, and the almost sickly sweet closing track from Familiar Stranger, Wonderful You. It's a pitch-perfect and incredibly professional show, from a charismatic and talented songwriter, and the sighing crowd leave contented.