The Claypool Lennon Delirium bring their progressive sound to CT...

What happens when you team up the founder / lead singer/ bass player of one of the biggest progressive rock bands with the son of one of the biggest names in rock history? You get a night of great music unlike anything you’ve heard on mainstream radio! The Claypool Lennon Delirium is the collaboration of Primus’ Les Claypool and John Lennon’s son, Sean Lennon and their fans packed the house at New Haven’s College Street Music Hall.

Opening the show was New York glam rock band, UNI (pronounced oonee). The band consists of a core trio of Charlotte Kemp Muhl of The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger on bass, Jack James on vocals and the rather sinister looking David Strange on guitar. Their music was an odd mix of strong instrumentals while at times being hypnotic. James’ vocal blended nicely with the instruments as he danced and strutted around the stage in Bowie-like fashion. Their music was very well received by the audience members, many of which seemed to be unfamiliar with the band prior to the show from overheard conversations. Watch for them as they continue to make a name for themselves as they climb the musical ladder.

Next up was the band everyone was there to see, Claypool Lennon Delirium. Formed in 2015, this progressive / experimental rock band put on a show for the ages. The combination of these two musical geniuses produces thoughtful music that one finds themselves floating along to. The listener tends to get lost in the flowing bass riffs of Claypool and the intricate guitar work of Lennon. There are times when you think you’re hearing the Beatles late in their illustrious career with Sean’s vocals and the psychedelic instrumentals. Other times, songs with Les’ vocals along with his signature bass sound resonate Primus. Still other times, their songs are like nothing you’ve heard before.

They are touring on their latest release, South of Reality which was released towards the end of February of this year. NPR said in a review of this latest collaboration, “Almost every track on South of Reality is defined by a balance of opposing forces. Lennon and Claypool complement each other in a sweet and savory way just like John and Paul did.” In concert they compliment each other as well. Each one will take lead vocals but the times they share vocals, there is an ethereal harmony like no other.

Unlike many touring bands of today, what you get is a straight up presentation of the band’s songs. You get no glitzy light show from Claypool Lennon Delirium, just a back drop with artwork from their latest album. For the most part, the stage was shrouded in fog with dark blue and magenta lighting. This sublime setting, while giving headaches to photographers, fits the abstract music perfectly!

Claypool and Lennon will be bringing their amazing act around the US through the beginning of July. Check out their website listed below for dates and locations and get yourself to one of their incredible shows!

Review and photos by Rich Russo