Owens Heart

Gentleman Reg

On Friday, I checked out a concert at The Mod Club. Since they are primarily a party lounge, shows there start early. Opener Gentleman Reg came on at 7:45 pm. Because he was accompanied by just Kelly MacMichael on keys, it was a more laid back show even on dance numbers like We're In A Thunderstorm.

The headliner was Christopher Owens, lately of Girls. Although he has gone solo, his backing band numbering some 7 people was larger than his previous outfit. His abbreviated 30 minute set drew exclusively on the songs off his new album Lysandre. The songs varied from folk-pop, blues, and even a bit of country. But every song ended with a variation of Lysandre's Theme, first played like an English folk tune, eventually evolving into a rock riff.

Given the short set, he came back for a 4 song encore, starting with covers Wild World and The Boxer. These songs, and similar ones from album, showcased his greatest strength: using his slight sweet voice to sing earnest pop with simple lyrics and arrangements. Owens wasn't quite as convincing on more rock numbers or 80s-influenced pop, complete with sax solo.