Cry Monster Cry: a brotherly act on the wrong stage | Electric Picnic

It’s Jamie Martin’s birthday and on stage seems like the last place he wants to spend it, as Cry Monster Cry’s show in the Jerry Fish Electric Show tent begins. There’s technical difficulties; sound issues that briefly almost deafen the crowd.

Richie, his brother and bandmate, on the other hand, is soldiering on and having a great time. They say there’s “no harmony like a brotherly harmony” and as the gig gets over the technical issues and into swing, that becomes very obvious. Their large, elegant harmonies work, without becoming repetitive.

It’s a pleasant show, but not much more. You can’t help but feel maybe the Jerry Fish stage isn’t where they belong. This is proved true as during their last two songs, burlesque performers begin practicing at the side of the tent. Not quite the right pairing for the Martin brothers’ potentially heart-wrenching lyrics.

In three words: Lovely fraternal harmonies.

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