If you had told me ten years ago that someone had created a Nirvana cover band – but instead of Cobain – they had an Elvis impersonator as a front man, I’d have laughed my head off.
If you then went on to tell me that this band would go on to play the likes of Download, Glastonbury, and tour the UK playing to bigger crowds than a lot of trendy “real” bands, it would be you that I’d start laughing at. Now that I’ve seen it unfold in front of my very eyes and I have the chance to see it at the newly awarded “second best venue in Europe” (whoever came first must be something spectacular or is handing out heavy kickbacks) Barrowlands.
Elvana has gained a cult following the likes of which hasn’t really been seen on the tribute band circuit. Yeah, you have the likes of The Complete Stone Roses who get the occasional festival spot and have a massive following since we’ll never see the real thing again. But they can’t say they’ve spawned a whole new subgenre… don’t believe me? Go google “Nic Cage Against the Machine” – the Rage Against the Machine tribute with Nicolas Cage as a front man. I’ve seen clips and heard the buzz, so I’m quite looking forward to this one! Arriving to see the band taking photos with the iconic Barras sign is pretty cool too… looks like they’re looking forward to it too!
The support is Marisa and the Moths, who I hadn’t come across before. A four piece from Reading, they’re the old school kind of alt rock with a girl up front. Think of a less gimmicky and dated Evanescence or a more accessible Halestorm, with chunky guitars and big drums but none of the dated nu metal tropes. It’s a more classic style of rock that should age a lot better than those who we’d naturally compare them to have. It’s inoffensive, heavy, and head nod inducing.
If you’re into this brand of music, then I can see you really being into these guys. If alt rock isn’t your thing (then why are you at this show?) then at worst, you’ll come out with an “they were alright”. I don’t think it’s possible to dislike this band. They’re original enough while staying in the lane of their chosen genre and the talent is definitely there. Playing as a three piece tonight thanks to a sick bassist, there’s still plenty energy on the stage. As a front woman, Marissa is an absolute powerhouse of a vocalist and has impressive presence even when stuck to a mic stand.
As the room fills up, you can’t help but notice an impressive number of fans in full Elvis gear. Makes you wonder if this gig is for Elvis fans or Nirvana fans.
For such a (and I say this perhaps unfairly) ridiculous concept, Elvana looks amazing on stage. Our front man (should we call him Elvis?) in an iconic jumpsuit – which changes numerous times through the night, long straight hair, and Cobain’s white rimmed sunglasses. The musical element of the band looks as if they’ve just finished up the shift at the accountant’s where they do the day job, and we have two cheerleaders (a la ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ video and one of whom is Marisa of the support act) to the right providing backup vocals. There’s two big ‘In Utero’ angels each side of the stage (one of which earns an orange traffic cone on its head) and the backdrop is an incredibly funny Elvis with wings.
It’s not just Nirvana covers sung by a (self-admitted) bad Elvis impersonator. It’s not mash ups. It’s Nirvana songs that switch into Elvis songs and bounce back and forth. A genius turn of mixing ‘Rape Me’ with ‘Love Me Tender’. Every time a song changes to another, the oxymoronic clash forces smiles and the crowd sing along without missing a beat. Being in this room is almost like being in an alternate universe where this was an actual band.
One thing is for sure… Kurt Cobain never gyrated this much. Elvis crowd surfs, sings from the centre of the room, ends up at the back of the room like some magician, and generally treats this huge space like it’s a pub gig. That’s how much confidence is ripping out of him. There’s guest vocals from the cheerleaders and guitarist at spots while he’s doing costume changes or off gallivanting and the momentum doesn’t stop. For every second, this show has been red lining the rev counter. Antics apart, the music is awesome and seeing a moshpit to Elvis is pretty special.
Was tonight for Elvis fans or Nirvana fans? It was for fans of fun. Music fans who appreciate the tongue in cheek, a bit of performance art and pantomime, and uncontrollable smiling. It manages to stay in the rock concert box without veering into cabaret but there’s certainly a nod to it. Tonight is less about what songs are being played and more about basking in unashamed happiness, which is what the world needs right now.
Photos by Catching Light Photography