Devendra Banhart Live in Manchester, 2006

Elly Roberts reviews

Devendra Banhartat Academy 2, ManchesterFriday, 8 September 2006


Cripple Crow:

  • Rating: 10/10
  • Devendra Banhart is one lucky guy. Women drool over him. Guys think he’s cool.

    Both camps agree on one thing – he’s a star. Sadly, not a mainstream one.Banhart is currently wowing crowds across the country with his inimitabletrippy-hippy brand of music.

    His cult status guaranteed a full house, nearing 1,000 at Academy 2.Coming on 10 minutes late, due to support Vetiver (his former-sometime band)overrunning, the crown prince of retro alternative-folk was greeted like along lost hero.


    Dressed in torn flared jeans, denim waistcoat and b&w t-shirt, he quicklytuned his Gibson, announcing his arrival with, “Hi I’m Devendra Banhart,”– inevitably screams, cheers and lots of “Yes”s rang out. Gypsyfied inappearance (let’s not forget his stay with French gypsies some time ago),handsome Banhart opened with a solo spot, before his bit-part Vetiver bandjoined him.

    He’s here, with such a big following, I would guess; because of the criticalacclaim for 2005’s spellbindingCripple Crow,though we didn’t get much from the wacky masterpiece.

    Keeping track of songs was difficult, as I’d only heard his fourth albumCripple Crow, (much to my embarrassment), and there was no setlistavailable.

    What came from it was sensational – Heard Somebody Say, Long Haired Childand a Dragonflys/Mama Wolf medley. In fact, Banhart is much betterlive – rougher edges, and, highly entertaining. His nutty humour andspontaneity was so refreshing in a Rock’N’Roll world that’s lost its sense offun.


    Soon into the set, a local lad is coaxed (not that he needed much) to takethe stage and do a solo spot on guitar, with Banhart beating drums in thebackground. Suddenly, he announced his band was now called ‘First WomanMillionaire’, bringing roars of laughter yet again.

    More incredible music followed, including a thumping version of White ReggaeTroll, accompanied by some spacey antics, facial contortions, which add tohis appeal. His 90 minutes were soon up, far too soon for me, and his adoringfans.

    Returning bare-chested for the encore, he rounded off with a couple moresongs that sent the crowd delirious. Hippy days are here again!!!


    Elly Roberts with Devendra Banhart.


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