Much like the NYC pick n mix
conveyor belt that gave us Interpol, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and The Strokes
(to name but a few) London’s own penchant for producing bands has steadily grown
in capital in comparison to that of its commercially successful counterpart. The
recent emergence of The Rakes and Art Brut, has given us some hope
that we aren’t about to be swamped by Libertines hopefuls in the aftermath of
their demise. Unfortunately, Cherubs fall some where in between but pull
off another fine Ian Curtis impression. Seriously. Staale Bruland takes the ragged
sadness of Curtis to a new level. The fixated gaze burns with intensity, the movement
is agitated and restless, yet while Curtis struggled with inner demons, it’s more
Razorlight than razorblades, and the same could be said for their music. Whilst
lyrically it’s relatively simple, Cherubs reveal an uncanny ability to replicate
Interpol-esque melodies that roll fluently and freely allowing you to revel in
the moment, so it’s unfortunate that like so many bands the bandwagon is causing
a crisis of identity. A bit of direction or even a new one and Cherubs would be
worthy of either throne. Next up, Maximo Park.. For those who see a common
link between Maximo Park and The Futureheads, any lingering doubts
regarding Maximo Parks individuality should be dispelled. Immediately. Yes their
spectacled guitarists might look vaguely alike, and yes they’re both from the
North East, and whilst they both use pop injected new wave to great effect, Maximo
Park have a sense of conventionality that separates them from the crowd. Led by
Paul Smith’s furious energy and accentuated mannerisms, the flamboyance belies
the articulate messages he’s trying to convey. Drawing on more conventional key
changes and driven choruses they write ‘personal songs that have universal themes’.
Forthcoming single ‘Apply Some Pressure’ jerks and dives before launching into
an anthemic chorus, ‘The night I lost my head’ is over before it ever really began
whilst ‘The Coast is always changing’ has a Franz Ferdinand edge and Smith in
his poetic element. The Futureheads for all their acclaim, retain a perfectly
poised cult appeal, whereas Maximo Park, sharing a similar contentment in their
own abilities should flourish with the release of their debut. Whimsical, witty
and intelligent, it’s popular music that isn’t popular yet, but will be. Who's
next? Dogs..
Establishing your own outright sound is something bands
can struggle with their whole career, and if and when a sense of identity is realised
it usually compromises something. Take Dogs for example, a rag tag collective
of street urchin chic with an undeniable chaotic charm. Taking the London loves
niche of the Libertines and mashing it with a Sex Pistols veneer, they’re abrasive,
blunt and in your face but it’s all a bit forced. Taking it upon themselves as
purveyors of social commentary, they take the low road as it’s been done before
with significantly more aplomb. If style over substance seems to be the order
of the day, Dogs are safe a bet as any to claim the mantle the Libertines so abruptly
vacated. Thriving on the testosterone fuelled resentment exuding from the stage,
fans young are thankful they may have a potential fallen idol and fans old are
thankful for a chance to relive their musical youth. Whatever their reason, the
typically cosmopolitan Barfly crowd stand back and let them have their fun. Still
they could just as easily be another music debacle (e.g. The Others) geared towards
creating a new saviour, but you get the feeling that’s the whole point. Still
the kids will lap it up whether Pete shows up or not. Next!
Fresh faced
and looking distinctly subdued, Eastern Lane traipse onstage. Front man
Derek Meins presence is somewhat muted, that is until he launches headlong into
a repetitive vocal solo. Falling somewhere between the gargled caterwauling of
Kings of Leon’s Caleb Followill and loopy harpist Joanne Newsome, it’s a fierce
introduction even if it is minus the music. In the same vein as his auspicious
entrance, every song sees an exorcism of sorts both emotionally and physically.
Love and loneliness are recurring themes amidst Meins contorted body movements
and sporadic screaming. ‘I said pig on Friday’ sees a sneering venom spring forth
from a mich he practically swallows whole, ‘Saffron’ is essentially the Kings
of Leon with a Berwick influence, and that is not to do a disservice to the song.
Trying to harness a sound that veers and banks with the calculated abandon of
a compass finding north and the talismanic performance of Derek is what gives
the band an understated fascination, although the fact that Meins feels as though
he has to provide stage presence for the rest of the band is about as conventional
as they get. They might not be the most exhilarating, but you could do worse in
satisfying any curiosity.
As far as mismatches go this could be interesting.
The Camden Barfly, home to all that is indie mafia, indie cool and indie
fashionista would never be quite prepared for this wake up call. Paul Mullen of
Yourcodenameis: Milo may be a midget amongst giant band members but he
is the lil fella calling all the shots and making the louder noise. Rocking the
Joe 90 look he rants and roars YCI:M to an resounding victory. Minus a few die-hards
strategically placed at the front, heads nod in appreciation, but are mainly cracked
together in the mass that’s swarmed the floor. Much in the same fashion as the
Deftones this ain’t your average ‘heavy’. It’s a sound that swallows everything
of its surroundings and wouldn’t falter in the larger venues that undoubtedly
beckon. Playing a healthy set from EP ‘All roads to fault’, it’s the title track
with juggernaut chorus that Hundred Reasons always strived for that decimates
what was left of your already faltering ear drums. The North East may be getting
acclaim for its art rock intelligence, and although this of a different kind,
it’s of the same calibre. Just ask the Barfly. Relevant sites:
http://www.yourcodenameismilo.com/
Sherief Younis for Crud Magazine 2004©
Janauary - March 2005 - News Archive | |
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