The Clientele w/Papercuts @ the Tractor – 8/23/23
Show Review & Photos by Lisa Hagen Glynn

The Clientele – photo by Lisa Hagen Glynn

The Clientele concluded their U.S. tour at Seattle’s Tractor Tavern on August 23, 2023. The London indie-pop band included Alasdair MacLean (vocals, guitar), Mark Keen (drums), and James Hornsey (bass). 

They played a set of about a dozen tunes and an encore. Well-represented was their critically acclaimed album I Am Not There Anymore, released in late July.

True to their style, The Clientele played mostly pretty, understated ballads, although some of their newer material veered a little more upbeat. Previous reviews warned of an underwhelming stage presence—and indeed, nothing about their gentle mannerisms or business-casual dress screamed “rock band”—but their brief banter was surprisingly witty and endearing. Their signature sound came through beautifully live, and the audience was attentive and appreciative.

Despite needing to commute from Portland the same day, The Clientele also participated in a Reddit “Ask Me Anything” online Q&A.

Papercuts‘ Jason Robert Quever – photo by Lisa Hagen Glynn

Opening was California-based quartet Papercuts, a project of singer–songwriter Jason Quever. Like The Clientele, their music was dreamy, pleasantly jangly, and perfectly suited to the crowd. A few tunes into the set, someone shouted, “You guys are great!” to cheers of agreement.

The Clientele – photos by Lisa Hagen Glynn

Papercuts @ the Tractor – photos by Lisa Hagen Glynn