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Evan Dando, Esquires, Bedford

Live Reviews

There's certainly no shortage of songs.

5th July 2011, Esquires, Bedford / By Amy Rich

Photo Credit: Simone Scott Warren.

It seems only fitting that a singer who does his best to skirt the limelight should turn up at an intimate venue like Bedford Esquires and avoid London completely. No flashing neon signs, no fanfare, and no amp or guitar strap (but we’ll forgive him): Evan Dando sidles in without any airs or graces and plays the gig as if he's strumming to a few mates lounging on beanbags in his bedroom.

There might not be any witty banter, or audience engagement, but there's certainly no shortage of songs. Dando manages to notch up 34 songs in a set that lasts about an hour and a half.

But the audience is split in two: die-hard Evan Dando fans who don’t need audience engagement, and die-hard Evan Dando fans who would love a little bit of eye contact.

Even with classics like 'Being Around', 'Favourite T', and 'The Outdoor Type', mingling with solo stuff like 'The Same Thing You Thought Hard About, Is The Same Part I Can Live Without' and 'Hard Drive', it all feels a little like the first hour after downing a diazepam. But maybe it’s just because I’ve been spoilt by Pulp at Wireless… Rating: 6/10
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