Tonight saw an American trio called Princess Goes To The Butterfly Museum performing their first UK show on a tour that will take them all over the country and into Ireland. The band comprises of vocalist, lyricist, musician and actor Michael C. Hall (Dexter, Six Feet Under, Hedwig and the Angry Inch), drummer Peter Yanowitz (The Wallflowers, Morningwood) and keyboardist Matt Katz-Bohen (Blondie).
The band released their debut full-length album, THANKS FOR COMING, earlier this year, a collection of beautifully layered compositions showing obvious influences from early 80s new wave, electronica, Bowie all topped with Hall’s exquisite vocals.
First up was Beija Flo, a true genre breaking artist whose set swung from gentle piano accompanied ballads to punky protest songs. In a striking red leotard with matching fishnets and eye shadow, her self depreciating chat and cocky confidence drew the audience into her world. As we moved through the set, there was a constant feeling of unease as the gentle ballads quickly moved to challenging punk numbers with relative ease. An interesting opener.
Starting the set on his knees, centre stage in quiet preparation, Michael waited as the soundscape swelled and swirled around him before launching his vocals. The sound was crisp, with the synths adding a warm backing to his wide vocal range. The quality and professionalism of these experienced and talented musicians was obvious to all from the start and with a set of really strong material, this was to be a fantastic night.
It's hard to believe that this was their first show outside of NYC ("..and first show on a boat"). At times the set drifted on the throbbing bass and drums that is heartbeat of the band, as the crowd swayed, before being thrust back into the theatrical world of Hall’s lyrics and vocals. The title track from the album is one of my favourites and has the most fantastic line ".... soul is leaking, sticking to the floor.....". Wow. And did I mention that keyboardist Matt seriously rocked the keytar?!? Not seen since Chang played his birthday solo in series 5 of the hit US show ‘Community’!
The near 20 song set flew by and my favourites live were the slightly more raw ‘Too Cool to Care’ which has a real Joy Division feel and ‘Airhead’ which starts out pure early Bowie before hitting the falsetto highs that are almost Darkness-esque.
This isn't Michael's only job and you can see how the acting and theatre work could take priority. But it shouldn't. PGTTBM are an excellent band, with a unique sound and perform with an ease of a group who are on album Number 5 and have toured for the last 10 years. The quality is there for all to see and the crowd of PGTTBM and Dexter fans left very happy.
Words and Pictures © Glenn Morrison
