RADAR BROTHERS + SOPHIA
London Camden Monarch 27th May 2002
Sadly Sophia are one of those bands that have been overlooked in recent years. Basically the solo project of Robin Proper-Shepperd (of God Machine/ Flower Shop records infamy), tonight's show underlines their leaning towards quiet emotional music. Even though their records can feature a huge cast of musicians, Robin (on vox and acoustic gtr) is only accompanied by a piano player tonight. I've lost touch with them since the first album ('The Infinite Circle') came out, but they seem to have continued where it left off. Simple arrangements - often just two chords - and a big voice to carry them off. The subject matter is equally heavy - death, sadness, loneliness are what Sophia's music seems to come from. A different venue would have done them more justice, but the audience do behave themselves and stay quiet when Robin asks them.
I suppose this was quite a rare appearance, given their lack of UK gigs, and I for one was vertainly pleased to see them back.
Certain members of the audience weren't as kind to the Radar Brothers, especially when some technical difficulties after the first song tried the crowd's patience a lot. They soldiered on though and played a decent set of pretty alt-country songs, although to be honest my attention did waver a lot. Another band who would be suited to a quieter venue.
