MC Lars at Camden Barfly, London
Reviewed on Oct 23, 2006 by cathyreay
The London Barfly is renowned for allowing fast-growing fanbases to spend an intimate evening with some of the most cutting edge new (largely American) talent before their almost inevitable quick propelling to Astoria-sized venues upon their next visit. Tonight was slightly different: MC Lars has presented himself to London an almost embarrassing number of times, often in support of larger acts (Simple Plan/Good to Go Tour), and yet has failed to stamp the city with any great achievements.
Pre-show, I’m cynical as to whether Lars actually has enough of a market to play with. His music is so specialised that it’s difficult to see him making significant waves with it. Aside from publicity, he largely manages himself on his DIY record label. Although it’s unclear as to whether it’s a personal choice for him to stick with that, regardless, if he is unable to move to something bigger it’s going to be very difficult for him to be able to create much of a name for himself whilst rooted in such unknown territory.
Upon entering, I notice that the small venue is packed to the brim. Lars has already begun and the crowd is getting rowdy. There’s a gangly boy getting flipped over backwards as he crowd surfs his way to the stage. Falling in front of the artist, the latter man manages a cheeky grin (elating the fan before him) before greeting the crowd with some of his favourable tracks. ‘Signing Emo’ and ‘Download This Song’ are possibly the friendliest of the 50 minute set and Lars pulls them off well. This is the last tour before he heads back to the US to record new material, so it’s understandable that he’s become expert at involving and simultaneously wowing the crowds with his fast rapping and light-hearted humourous banter, yet it’s still an impressive and entertaining sight.
I wouldn’t say that I left the show a fan, but I definitely left with a much more open mind than I had before arriving. MC Lars' extraordinary ability to entertain, amuse and impress not just myself but everyone in attendance was nothing short of brilliant. Although perhaps not the most meaningful of artists, he knows how to liven any crowd and that’s not only refreshing but also much needed. I hope he can prove me wrong and go much further than I assume practicalities will stop him from doing.
