24th March, Redroaster Café

XYZ’s Mo Mostowfi was expecting a few cups of Fair Trade coffee at St. James’s Redroaster but was instead greeted with the perfect setting for a dark musical feast: an album launch for Brighton-based Jacob’s Stories’ ‘Undisciplined Art’.

Support acts Twenty-one Crows and Birdengine were more than adequate. The former put on a good, if slightly neurotic performance, while the latter was beautifully dark, accomplished and assured. Birdengine is definitely one to watch out for.

But, tonight was all about Stuart Lee’s one-man-band Jacob’s Stories. From the moment Lee took his seat and started playing, the audience was hooked. Luscious melodies emanated from the various gadgets and keyboard and made his songs sound like melancholic masterpieces. Pretty much every song performed was captivating, with ‘Dear Mr Pearson’ and ‘God’s Rotweiller’ cemented as my personal highlights. Morons aside, I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t warm to this; all compositions were all executed brilliantly. Lee’s voice is truly captivating, and even the wraps between songs were entertaining, including an unusual and hilarious take on the Easter story. He could consider a career as a stand up comic, although I’m sure he’d disagree. The night was capped off with a beautiful rendition of The Dupree’s ‘You Belong To Me’, which was way better than the original.

Amongst the plethora of emo/metal/indie/hair bands which dominate Brighton’s music scene it is oh-so-refreshing to see a Brighton-based artist who can perform a set full of great songs. At the end of the show I wanted more and felt totally and truly moved by Lee’s music. I cannot think of a bad word to say about his performance or songs.
Jacob’s Stories are profound, immense and beautiful. If you do anything this year, you must check him out live and buy ‘Undisciplined Art’. Jacob’s Stories is a truly awesome musical experience.

www.myspace.com/jacobsstoriesband
www.jacobs-stories.co.uk

Words by Mo Mostowfi
Photos by Sam Hiscox