Indie Week Report Card: Shawn Clarke @ Cameron House 70%

Myles Herod October 11, 2012
shawn-clarke 

Sound  4/5

The second act to grace the stage of The Cameron House on Thursday night, Shawn Clarke came with a song bag full of influences and throwaway lyrics. His off the cuff introduction, “let’s start off with a lil’ whimsy” may have sounded a tad too assured, but, in fact, it was exactly what he fulfilled. In hindsight, it wasn’t a bad thing either. Serenading his mic, eyes closed, like a last goodbye to a lover, Clarke’s lyrics evoked Ontario travels, tribulations and plain ol’ good times. Begin? Perhaps. Channeling McCartney era “Blackbird” with his inspired picking, he glided confidently and composed, like a singer who couldn’t have cared less about his penchant for postcard folk pop.

Performance 3.5/5

With default applause, Clarke positioned himself well as a lone man with his guitar, fighting the dark stage with his clean delivery and light-as-a-feather ditties. He captivated best he could, clearly dedicated to his craft, stepping back from his mic at times to bob his head, strum, and lose himself in his self-imposed groove.

Professionalism 3.5/5

A storyteller through and through, any performer who can earnestly dedicate himself to odes referencing “the noises of Dundas Square” and “just one night in old London town” deserves respect for sheer chutzpah. Never faltering, Clarke spoke to the audience with courtesy, creating a connection immediately.

Aesthetic 3/5

Bulky white sweater, sunburst acoustic, tastefully manicured beard and haircut, Shawn Clarke looked like a troubadour plucked out of a Portland cafe, or, err, Queen St West?

Authenticity 3.5/4

Rolling finger work that fit nicely next to Tallest Man on Earth’s earlier output, as well as the aforementioned Beatle and SOME of his acoustic excursions, Shawn Clarke remains the equivalent of Sarah Polley’s Toronto-centric indie Take This Waltz. While the craft is beautiful – sounding and looking great – it ultimately lends itself as a pleasant afterthought, hopefully with some of the silliness forgotten.

Overall: 17.5/25

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