Review by Mark McGrogan
The Inspector Cluzo is a French-Gallic rock band that has been making waves in the music industry for their explosive live performances.
The band, made up of drummer Mathieu Jourdain and guitarist/vocalist Malcom Lacrouts, has become known for their high-energy shows that leave audiences breathless and begging for more.
The Inspector Cluzo has been around since 2008 and has since released six studio albums, each with their unique blend of rock, funk, and blues. However, it is their live performances that truly set them apart from their contemporaries. The band’s onstage energy is unmatched, and they have developed a reputation for putting on unforgettable shows.As we stand here this evening in Belfast witnessing them live you can completely understand why so many regard them so highly.

The band’s live performances are known for their raw intensity and explosive energy. From the moment they take the stage, Jourdain and Lacrouts command the audience’s attention, and their powerful presence is felt throughout the entire venue.
Their music is a seamless blend of blues, rock, and funk, with Jourdain’s powerful drumming and Lacrouts’ intricate guitar work complementing each other perfectly.

One of the things that sets The Inspector Cluzo apart from other live bands is their ability to connect with their audience. They are not content to simply play their music and leave; instead, they actively engage with their fans throughout the entire show.
Lacrouts often jumps into the crowd and plays his guitar while standing on top of the bar or tables, while Jourdain takes time to connect with the audience and share the band’s message of sustainability and environmentalism.
In addition to their electrifying performances, The Inspector Cluzo is known for their commitment to sustainability and environmentalism. The band operates their own organic farm in their hometown of Mont-de-Marsan in southwest France and has made it their mission to promote sustainable agriculture and environmentally friendly practices.

This commitment to sustainability is reflected in their live performances, where they actively encourage their audience to consider their impact on the environment. They often bring reusable water bottles and cups on stage, and Lacrouts even encourages audience members to bring their own reusable cups to shows.
The Inspector Cluzo is one of the most exciting live bands around today. Their raw intensity, powerful stage presence, and commitment to sustainability have made them stand out from their peers. If you have the opportunity to see them live, do not pass it up. Their live performances are an experience unlike any other, and they are sure to leave you wanting more.
The Eels are one of the most dynamic indie-rock bands of the last 25 years. Known for their unique blend of introspective lyrics, catchy melodies, and experimental arrangements, the band has built a devoted following around the world. While their studio recordings are acclaimed for their attention to detail and sonic experimentation, it is their live shows that truly set them apart.

From their earliest days in the mid-1990s, the Eels have been known for their high-energy live performances. Led by enigmatic frontman Mark Oliver Everett (better known as E), the band’s concerts are a masterclass in musical intensity.
Whether performing in front of thousands at a festival or in a small club, the Eels bring a level of energy and passion to their live shows that is unmatched by most other bands.
Part of what makes the Eels such a compelling live act is their ability to translate their studio recordings to the live stage. Many bands struggle to recreate the complex sounds and arrangements of their albums in a live setting, but the Eels seem to relish the challenge.

They are able to take their studio tracks and add an extra layer of intensity and rawness that can only come from a live performance.
One example of this is their hit song “Novocaine for the Soul.” The studio version of the song features a variety of different instruments, including a Hammond organ, a piano, and a brass section. Yet when the Eels perform the song live, they are able to recreate the same sense of sonic richness with just a four-piece band. The guitar riffs are sharper, the drums hit harder, and E’s vocals take on an extra layer of emotion and urgency.

Another key element of the Eels’ live shows is the band’s ability to improvise and experiment with their songs. While their studio recordings are often meticulously crafted, the band is not afraid to take risks on stage and try out new things. This willingness to take chances has led to some truly memorable live moments over the years.
One example of this is the band’s performance of the song “Dog Faced Boy” during their 2010 tour. In the middle of the song, E and the band suddenly launched into a blistering cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love,” complete with E wailing on a theremin. It was a moment that took the audience by surprise and showcased the band’s willingness to push the boundaries of what a live show can be.

Of course, no discussion of the Eels’ live shows would be complete without mentioning Mark Oliver Everett himself. E is known for his charismatic stage presence, which can range from introspective and contemplative to wild and unhinged. His unique vocal style is perfectly suited to the band’s blend of melancholy and aggression, and his lyrics have a way of cutting straight to the heart of the human experience.
Eels are still, one of the most exciting live bands in indie-rock today. With their intense energy, ability to translate their recordings to the live stage, willingness to experiment and improvise, and the charismatic presence of Mark Oliver Everett, they are a must-see act for any music fan. Belfast was treated to an absolute beauty of a live performance this evening and as the crowd disperses into the cold spring night the chitter chatter of happy fans reminds us all of the magic a great live show can bring to our lives.
Photography by MPM