Live At Leeds 2009: Jeffrey Lewis, Hyde Park Picture House

This weekend as Live At Leeds sprinkles its magic through the city, there’s one very unique and touching concert that has slipped through the net. While White Lies are rocking out at Leeds Met, the true foundations of Live At Leeds can be found tonight at the Hyde Park Picture House.

For those not blessed with a Leeds knowledge, Hyde Park Picture House is one of the area’s only surviving old fashioned cinemas. With a ticket booth and tea and coffee on tap, this quaint surrounding is the perfect place to see Jeffrey Lewis. Complimented with a huge big screen and comfy seats, this intimate gig brings out all the great sweet segments of Lewis’ performance. Showcasing songs from his new album ‘Ere Am I’, the singer is joined by brother Jack, and a drummer and female vocalist to give the perfect blend of acoustic and punk tracks.

Starting with Jack as the frontman, the songs show a darker side to Lewis’ regular output, however after the heavy beginning Lewis’ strides out, highlighting songs old and new. ‘The Last Time I Did Acid I Went Insane’ and ‘Time Machine’ both appear but it’s Lewis’ unplugged songs which really strike a chord in the booming cinema. As he speaks of sweet moments with a girl to depression you’re instantly glued to your seat, trying to stop yourself from welling up in public.

Despite the venue, the big screen is not used as much as expected but instead we’re treated to the history of Korea through a selection of garish comics, and ‘The Creeping Brain’, which shows Lewis’ frightful imagination in all its’ glory. Finally, as another punk song is thrashed out, we realise, not only is Jeffrey Lewis one of the most honest, touching songwriters in recent years, but absolutely every gig should take place in such serene surroundings.