Music

Peter Von Poehl at the Exeter Phoenix (preview)

19th January 2010

Swedish singer-songwriter Peter Von Poehl is set to play an intimate show at Exeter Phoenix's Voodoo Lounge on February 7.

His vocals have been compared to Brian Wilson and Ben Folds, while his music shares a similarity with Midlake.

He's had two hit singles in France and electro-pop duo Air are reportedly huge fans.

Peter began his career as the guitarist for French rockers A.S. Dragon - put together by their founder Bertrand Burgalat as a group to accompany the writer/poet/singer Michel Houellebecq.

His first solo album, Going To Where the Tea Trees Are, was a glimpse inside the musician’s deeply personal universe - a place woven from melodic golden threads, delicate sonic textures, and finely embroidered orchestral motifs.

The record felt like a cosy cocoon, a home-sweet-home for this eternal foreigner - a songwriter without a musical family who for many years has split his life between Malmo, Berlin and Paris.

If Tea Trees was a 'private' album, von Poehl's second album, May Day, is far more public.

The lyrics feel more specific than on the first album, as seen, for example, in the title song, inspired by the scars left on his Berlin neighbourhood by a particularly violent demonstration.

Marie Modiano’s subtly metaphoric poetry adds another perspective to Von Poehl's decidedly subjective worldview.

Audiences never know quite what to expect from one of Peter's shows. He's played alone with his Venezuelan 'quattro', Swedish lute and Chinese baritone guitar, and as a two-piece band with a 200-kilo Hammond organ.

He's also performed as part of a three-piece, four-piece and five-piece - only to show up on the next day with a 10-piece band including horn and string sections, and three female backing singers!

So, dare to be surprised by Peter Von Poehl live. Tickets for the Exeter show cost £7 / £6 on 01392 667 080.

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