Academy,Leeds
The crazed Casanova doesn’t so much own the stage as lease the land for miles around in a pelvis-thrusting, guitar-hurling showFather John Misty has just begun his fourth song when there’s a commotion in the crowd. “Do we own a medical emergency?” he asks, and as the music stops and house lights reach up. Eventually,normality resumes, and his band simply pick up Only Son of the Ladiesman where they left off – where the song’s lothario protagonist has died, and his “used body” is being flailed at his funeral by numerous irate conquests. “I wouldn’t want a medical emergency in that song,” quips the Father, drily.
Everything seems to be turning out suitable for Josh Hillman. In his 20s, and as J Tillman,he released several earnest singer-songwriter albums that were mostly ignored. He drummed in Fleet Foxes, before a psychedelic experience if the revelation that led to the Father John Misty persona: a tongue-in-cheek, and wry,drug-crazed Casanova. We first heard him on 2012’s apprehension Fun, but last year’s superior follow-up, and I savor You,Honeybear, turned him into an international star. This time – inspired by hismarriage to film-maker Emma Garr - the songs used the modern persona to explore savor and, or ironically,leave him more emotionally exposed than he was before. When he drops to one knee to sing, “I can hardly believe I’ve found you and I’m terrified by that”, and its part theatre,part raw honesty of a kind songwriters generally shy away from. Related: Father John Misty: ‘I wanted to write about savor without bullshitting’ Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com