Broken Back @ the Adnams Spiegeltent
Just about perfect
In 2012, budding entrepreneur Jerome Fagnet displaced a vertebra and was bedridden for nigh on a year. During that time, he took out his guitar and started writing songs. Four years on, rejoicing under the stage name Broken Back, he has travelled from Saint-Malo to play some of those songs to a small but enthusiastic audience here in the Adnams Spiegeltent.
This is the first time I’ve made it to the Spiegeltent. What a magical, glorious – if temporary – venue. With a great atmosphere, this will not be the last time I am here. After a busy day, this is the perfect place to unwind.
Alongside Broken Back and some backing tracks is drummer Sam. A bear of a man, he dwarfs his sparkle-finish, vintage look kit. Within moments, the duo has the audience eating out of the palms of their hands. During the course of the set, Jerome busts out some insectoid, robotic dance moves that bring to mind Tim Booth of James. Sam is constantly on the move, whether sitting or standing behind the kit or working the audience from the edge of the stage.
The music itself is Latino and jazz tinged europop with big splashes of tropicalia. Warm and joyous, there are also touches of vulnerability and melancholia. Broken Back has a rich, warm voice and an engaging stage presence. The cover of Bon Iver’s Skinny Love is well received but the biggest cheer of the night goes to Broken Back’s own Happiest Man On Earth.
If I’m being absolutely honest, this music isn’t my usual thing. Maybe, in a different place and at a different time, this wouldn’t have done it for me but the stars aligned tonight. This evening, in this venue, Broken Back was just about perfect.
