Blood Orange / Cant @ Cargo, London

So, to Cargo, arguably a place of faded glory these days. Tonight’s bill had intrigue, though. Blood Orange, the latest incarnation of Dev Hynes (formerly Lightspeed Champion and erstwhile participant in Test Icicles) was supporting Cant, the side project for Grizzly Bear’s general muso Chris Taylor.

I watched as Mr Hynes cavorted away in his leathers and cap. There’s no doubt the man can play guitar, and in some truly unusual unexpected ways (and outfits). He dived into the crowd, twanging and riffing mercilessly while a bare stage was left behind mimicking the sound of a full band.

Hynes’ playing continued at a high standard but it was rather – what’s the word? – samey. Every tune featuring what became a signature fast scrape across the fret board. In truth it started to feel like guitar karaoke.

Cant arrived, one of the floppiest haired bands you will ever see, joined by leather-bound Hynes. And my God, they were hot up there. Sweat glistened on their every brow as they pumped and slithered through a steamy, sultry set. Most enjoyable too.

Just when you were getting properly seduced, some chunky keys got your groove before returning you to heartfelt and rather beautiful songs. And unusual as well, yes sir. Taylor has a wonderfully fragile voice that sits awkwardly (yet not out of place) with the tumult behind. Shame you could hear fragments of ‘21 Seconds’ from the main bar area as the band retook the stage for one of their more gentle songs in the encore.

“That’s Cargo”, commented my companion.