Okkervil River at Cabaret Voltaire Preview

Speaking to Okkervil River's Will Sheff just before Christmas, there were three things on his mind: Brussel sprouts ("Man! I love 'em"); Nintendo Wii ("well that's what I'm asking for this year"); and taking a long break ("I'm just so, so tired"). Having produced one of the albums of 2007 (#7 in our book) Okkervil's performance here in February is one of the most eagerly anticipated of the New Year. After a punishing year though, the thought of kicking back with a beer and a copy of Tiger Woods 08 had Sheff salivating down the phone, and in fairness, he deserves a break. Opinion here is split: "Oh great! He'll be nice and refreshed!" and "Oh shit! He's gonna fill himself with sprouts, lie on his arse playing video games all January and never want to tour again!" Will he? Won't he? Only one way to find out - Cabaret Voltaire, 3 Feb: one of the most refined bands around today. [Finbarr Bermingham]

Read our review of Okkervil River at Cabaret Voltaire