Sean Lennon’s GOASTT Delivers Psych-Rock Sounds
I’m not sure about the tiger, but Sean Lennon summoned some psychedelic ghosts during his exciting performance at the Great American Music Hall. As you might know, he's the 38-year-old son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Sean and his girlfriend Charlotte Kemp Muhl, a world-class model, have formed the indie psych-rock band called The Ghost Of A Saber Tooth Tiger, or GOASTT for short. The group has had various incarnations since 2008, and their second album, Midnight Sun (Chimera Music), is part of their ongoing journey.
There’s no mistaking the striking visual similarities between Sean and his late father, and that’s partly why the hall was packed with fans old enough to remember. Between the beard, the glasses, long hair, and the tall, dark, wide-brimmed hat, I felt like I was looking at John the way he appeared on the Beatles' 'Hey Jude' album cover. Sean has publicly stated his frustrations with the connections, but says his love for music is the real reason why he is recording and touring.
Musically, there are several differences. GOASTT’s sound sometimes has an edgy psych feel, especially when Sean creates melodic feedback on his guitar using the dozen or so pedals and effect gadgets he has on stage. Muhl and Lennon have both cited Hendrix’s Axis: Bold as Love and Pink Floyd’s Saucerful of Secrets as influences, so it all makes perfect sense. [See concert video here]
The 26-year-old Muhl wore red gym shorts, a Mickey Mouse T-shirt, a shiny policeman’s hat, and mid-calf black motorcycle boots. Aside from modeling, she has appeared in Carlos Santana’s video for “Just Feel Better,” and is a self-taught guitarist, although she played bass and sang this evening.
Bob Weir from the Grateful Dead, along with two members from Syd Arthur, joined GOASTT for the encore. GOASTT will continue their North American tour through the end of June and then depart for Switzerland.
Raven Bush (Syd Arthur). Photo: Steve Roby
Syd Arthur, a highly talented four-piece band from Canterbury, Kent, kicked off the show. Their band’s name pays tribute to both Syd Barrett of Pink Floyd and Arthur, the Kinks’ 1969 concept album. Sound Mirror is Syd Arthur’s latest album, released this week.
Program Notes
GOTSTT
The Ghost Of A Saber Tooth Tiger w/Syd Arthur
Great American Music Hall, San Francisco
May 20, 2014
Band Credit: Sean Lennon (guitar/vocals), Charlotte Kemp Muhl (bass/vocals), Robbie Mangano (guitar), Jared Samuel (keyboard), and Tim Kuhl (drums)
Set List: Too Deep | Xanadu | Midnight Sun | Carotte Blue | Jardin Du Lux | Golden Earrings | Johannesburg | Poor Paul Getty | Devil You Know | Moth To A Flame.
Encore: The World Was Made for Men | Long Gone | I Know You Rider
Syd Arthur
Band Credit: Liam Magill (guitar, vocals), Raven Bush (violin, keyboards, mandolin), Fred Rother (drums), Joel Magill (bass)
Set List: Garden Of Time | Home Town Blues | Autography | Sinkhole | All And Everything
Photos: Steve Roby
