Joan Sutherland Theatre, May 31
One of the most interesting bills to hit in a while features Welsh pop musician and producer Cate Le Bon and Bay Area native singer-songwriter Cass McCombs, the artists share few things in common other than talented, no-nonsense world-builders.
McCombs’ themes are full of well-drawn oddballs, as are the main characters of A Girl Called Dogie and Priestor a truck driver with eyes on the inside The Big Wheel. These character portraits, often with dark humor, are rendered with patient, precise detail, drawing you closer to people you should probably stay away from.
In contrast, Le Bon’s musical world feels more ephemeral, like hearing a song in a dream and half-remembering it upon waking. The series of white cloud-like nets that adorn the stage during his set are fitting, as are many of the songs on the recent album. Michelangelo Dies feeling weightless and fickle – always just out of reach and difficult to connect with as a result.
