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Elly Roberts reviews

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 inimitable trippy-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 a long lost hero.

Dressed in torn flared jeans, denim waistcoat and b&w t-shirt, he quickly tuned his Gibson, announcing his arrival with, "Hi I’m Devendra Banhart," - inevitably screams, cheers and lots of "Yes"s rang out. Gypsyfied in appearance (let’s not forget his stay with French gypsies some time ago), handsome Banhart opened with a solo spot, before his bit-part Vetiver band joined him. He’s here, with such a big following, I would guess; because of the critical acclaim for 2005's spellbinding Cripple Crow, though we didn’t get much from the wacky masterpiece. Keeping track of songs was difficult, as I’d only heard his fourth album Cripple Crow, (much to my embarrassment), and there was no setlist available. What came from it was sensational - Heard Somebody Say, Long Haired Child and a Dragonflys/Mama Wolf medley. In fact, Banhart is much better live - rougher edges, and, highly entertaining. His nutty humour and spontaneity was so refreshing in a Rock’N’Roll world that’s lost its sense of fun.

Soon into the set, a local lad is coaxed (not that he needed much) to take the stage and do a solo spot on guitar, with Banhart beating drums in the background. Suddenly, he announced his band was now called ‘First Woman Millionaire’, bringing roars of laughter yet again. More incredible music followed, including a thumping version of White Reggae Troll, accompanied by some spacey antics, facial contortions, which add to his appeal. His 90 minutes were soon up, far too soon for me, and his adoring fans. Returning bare-chested for the encore, he rounded off with a couple more songs that sent the crowd delirious. Hippy days are here again!!!

Elly Roberts with Devendra Banhart.