Live, In Review: Paul Jacobs
Live, In Review: Paul Jacobs
The Handsome Daughter, Winnipeg MB, May 18th 2022
Words and Photos by: Keeley Braunstein-Black
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Paul Jacobs, the self styled psych-pop modern troubadour (a lyric poet-musician who’s major theme is love), has evolved from a one man band to the touring band seen at The Handsome Daughter on May 18th 2022, one of stops along the way of the Canadian leg of the tour.
In many ways the venue was the perfect choice due to the intimate atmosphere created by the narrow dark standing room with only space and the mural inside throwing out some similar psych-rock vibes, perhaps not the exact same wavelength but definitely on the same spectrum. The crowd began to fill in during the set of the second opener Tired Cossak. As Paul Jacobs set up, I couldn’t help but notice an ease that comes with experience followed by a calm demeanour that commanded attention as he began his set. Immediately, the crowd stepped up towards the stage and slowly began to move and sway. The set mainly consisted of the 2021 album Pink Dogs on the Green Grass, a beautiful blend of folk, pop, psych and garage rock to create his own modern psychedelic vibe, as well as the newer single “After Dark”, an eerie slow steady driving tune with ethereal synths that were especially noticeable at the opening and closing of the song.
“Most Delicious Drink” and “Cherry” were the most delicious part of the show. While “Everything’s Fine” was down to earth and a little too relatable. Jacobs voice is versatile, moving between a smooth velvety sound to adding a bit of gravel when needed. His strong yet gentle vocals were offset by powerful lyrics and the steady mid tempo beat that made the performance come alive. He slowly moved around the narrow stage with this presence of confidence that drew in the crowd, while the bass player chilled near the back. After the midway point one of the many pedals on Jacobs board malfunctioned. Jacobs handled it so softly that many in the audience didn’t notice when he removed the pedal from his board. I was entranced by the percussionist who on many songs damped the hand drums with a mustard coloured roughly cut velvet cloth which added to the psychedelic vibes. The blue backlighting on the keys was entrancing and the drummer just grooved at the back in his baseball cap. The performance crescendoed toward the end and the swaying audience descended into a crowd of dancers wildly throwing their bodies about, lost in the fluid rhythm while those in the front row took a few gentle knocks but didn’t seem to mind.
A must see, Jacobs’ performance was captivating, his energy a barrage of raw emotions that transported us along for the ride through his dreams and it was a frictionless trip of shoegaze styled flush psychedelic soundscapes.
- Keeley Braunstein-Black
