Album Review: EELS - Royal Albert Hall

Well-constructed document of occasion illustrating latest incarnation of the idiosyncratic combo, which its equally individual leader – Mark Oliver Everett, better-known simply as E – describes as his band’s ‘soft bummer rock phase’.

After past versions as anything from string-based chamber orchestra to hard-rock power trio, this is almost orthodox. Songs are plucked from many Eels eras, but their balance of genuine melancholy undercut with some wit offering up titles like It’s A Motherfucker remains intact, even in these grand surrounds. The best live albums make you wish you were there – this one does that.