Jason Bentley first played UK band Bombay Bicycle Club in 2009. It was a song (“You Already Know”) off an Om Lounge compilation and their first substantial radio airplay anywhere, including their native country! Suffice to say, we’ve been waiting a really long time to finally get them in the studio for a live session.
The band has released three albums in as many years each very different and very good. With an emphasis on recording, touring has taken a backseat but you couldn’t tell yesterday.
This band is young but they have it together – they have mastered the art of “just enough” with intricate arrangements that manage to be sophisticated without being esoteric. Singer Jack Steadman says their focus “has always been making interesting music that is also accessible for lots of people”. Jack’s voice really sets this band apart –it’s not a traditional rock vocal, it’s slightly shaky, but in a way that is very affecting.
The band was all smiles after their U.S. radio debut on KCRW yesterday and, since it was Valentine’s Day, joked around about splitting into pairs and taken each other out on dates to celebrate. Jack had already been to Venice and picked up the “Selected Odes of Pablo Neruda” – the “most romantic poet in the world”.
So if you’re curious about his lyrical inspiration, you might want to check out the poet and listen to their excellent session in the archives here if you missed it.
RR
Bombay Bicycle Club Live on KCRW – Set List
Evening Morning
Leave It
How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep
Always Like This
Your Eyes
Lights Out, Words Gone
Shuffle
Dust on the Ground
