Smiley bounce fest with Allo Darlin' and The Smittens

The Luminaire is a funny venue and I have a type of love-hate relationship with it. In a way it's both lovely and awkward in equal measures. When it's too crowded it's horrible and from some angles it's almost impossible to see the stage. And on nights when it's only moderately busy, nobody wants to stand in the "bad" parts of the venue anyway, so it gets horribly crowded in front of the stage anyway. But, then it's also a lovely venue and sometimes it's just perfect.

Last night, for Allo Darlin' and The Smittens, it was a bit of both worlds. Not too busy, but busy enough. People talking loudly too each other during songs. Then, the sound was a bit harsh and screechy at times. But the bands were great as usual. Lovely to see them both on good form ahead of their European adventures next week.

Allo Darlin'
The Smittens

Some highlights of the evening included The Smittens playing one of Colin's solo songs (I think?), a pretty Magnetic Field's-esque a capella thing....and then 100 Roses of course....and Max joining Allo Darlin' to do the male part in Dreaming. The man does have the most amazing voice. Also, the evening took an unexpected turn when Allo Darlin, during their encore agreed to play Emily, a song they haven't played live in a long time. It was a bit of treat for those present and something I expect won't happen again for a long time.