So Electrelane played their last gig over the weekend. I saw their penultimate performance last Thursday at Koko in Camden along with Alex and various others.
I’ve seen them perhaps 5 or 6 times over the past 5 or so years and this was amongst their best shows, they played all the hits plus a load of stuff from the new record which I’d not heard live before but really was their best stuff. It’s a shame they’re going but at least they’re leaving ahead of the pack and on their own terms.

Here’s a picture of them at Koko.

They didn’t really look so far away.

My favourite Electrelane shows have all been at small venues, they’re not the most talkative of performers but they really respond to the audience in more intimate surroundings. The Scala was the worst place I saw them, it had it’s normal crypt like chilling effect on any connection between band and fans. I refuse to see anyone there these days having seen all my fave bands play disappointing sets there. The highlight for me remains their two shows at the Luminaire in May 2006, the mini residency in the tiny venue giving them freedom to really stretch out their krautrock side.

Here’s a picture of them at the Luminaire.

The Luminaire really is the best place in London to see bands, and I’m not just saying that because it’s walking distance from my flat. Though that does have something to do with it.

Anyway, back to last Thursday: The last song they played (probably at their last gig too, I should imagine) was a Bruce Springsteen cover it’s the song that, as a B-side of an early single, first made me pay attention to them and it seemed like the most appropriate way for them to leave.

I’m On Fire (right-click > save as…)