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Rock Sound Exposure Tour – Relentless Garage, London - 24 February 2011
Featuring: Dinosaur Pile Up, Japanese Voyeurs, The Xcerts, March On Rome
We may only be a couple of months into 2011, but musically it is shaping up very nicely (apart from the recent demise of Oceansize). We’ve seen the re-formation of Death From Above 1979 and comebacks from Foo Fighters, Strokes and Radiohead, plus a bunch of exciting new acts like Shapes and Axis Of on the horizon. But tonight was all about celebrating great British talent, courtesy of Rock Sound.
First up were six piece March On Rome - winners of the Rock Sound Exposure Tour Facebook competition for a local act to open up the show. Whilst competent enough, the band didn't really set the world alight. It didn't help that they decided to unleash a Calvin Harris cover – difficult at the best of times - when they might have done better to experiment with more of their their own material. At best, a poor man's 30 Seconds To Mars.
Fortunately, The Xcerts were definitely on fire for a great performance. The Scottish trio’s sound is like a marriage between Biffy Clyro and Brand New; thankfully combining just the good elements. They have been tearing up and down the country at venues in recent months, and tonight their loyal fans had come out again to show their appreciation. The majority of the set consisted of material from their latest record 'Scatterbrain', one of the best albums of last year. 'Slackerpop' and 'Young,' pop-rock simplicity at its best - definitely had the liveliest reception from this all too short set. They signed off with 'Hurt With Me' and at the end frontman Murray Macleod seemed as reluctant to leave the microphone as his fans were to see him go.
Japanese Voyeurs were up next, and definitely the loudest of the night’s lineup. Frontwoman Romily Alice's surreal voice, which somehow combines the angelic and satanic, with just a hint of helium, takes a while to attune to, but like Eva Spence from Rolo Tomassi, you are soon hooked. Their debut record 'Yolk', is set to drop sometime this year, and the previews were more than welcome. The set was filled with crunching riffs that were reminiscent of Distillers. Highlights included fan favourite 'Dumb' and single 'Milk Teeth' which are perfect vehicles for their spooky, grunge-fuelled excesses. They even sneaked in a cover of Nine Inch Nails 'Closer', before rounding things off with 'Smother Me', a great example of why this charismatic band really is one to look out for. All that remains is for the release of their album to reinforce the point...
Headlining were Leeds noise merchants Dinosaur Pile Up. The band have slowly gained a following, having toured extensively and now been radio playlisted. It certainly showed in their performance that all their hard work had paid off. Despite having just the one album to their name, every one of these songs could easily have been a hit single. Sometimes described as a light grunge act, they also have the fun factor of bands such as Weezer and Foo Fighters. 'Barceloner,' a truly eargasmic experience, was the perfect way to kick off whilst what followed only improved on this. 'Mona Lisa' and 'Never That Together', with their catchy, accessible tunes were just more examples of what the band are capable of. But it was favourite 'My Rock and Roll' that got the biggest reaction from the fans. They completed their set with 'Traynor', only to come back for an encore due to overwhelming demand and the final offering 'All Around The World' rounded off a performance that had definitely wowed their fans. All in all a great night at The Garage. More of the same please, Rock Sound.
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Fortunately, The Xcerts were definitely on fire for a great performance. The Scottish trio’s sound is like a marriage between Biffy Clyro and Brand New; thankfully combining just the good elements. They have been tearing up and down the country at venues in recent months, and tonight their loyal fans had come out again to show their appreciation. The majority of the set consisted of material from their latest record 'Scatterbrain', one of the best albums of last year. 'Slackerpop' and 'Young,' pop-rock simplicity at its best - definitely had the liveliest reception from this all too short set. They signed off with 'Hurt With Me' and at the end frontman Murray Macleod seemed as reluctant to leave the microphone as his fans were to see him go.
Japanese Voyeurs were up next, and definitely the loudest of the night’s lineup. Frontwoman Romily Alice's surreal voice, which somehow combines the angelic and satanic, with just a hint of helium, takes a while to attune to, but like Eva Spence from Rolo Tomassi, you are soon hooked. Their debut record 'Yolk', is set to drop sometime this year, and the previews were more than welcome. The set was filled with crunching riffs that were reminiscent of Distillers. Highlights included fan favourite 'Dumb' and single 'Milk Teeth' which are perfect vehicles for their spooky, grunge-fuelled excesses. They even sneaked in a cover of Nine Inch Nails 'Closer', before rounding things off with 'Smother Me', a great example of why this charismatic band really is one to look out for. All that remains is for the release of their album to reinforce the point...
Headlining were Leeds noise merchants Dinosaur Pile Up. The band have slowly gained a following, having toured extensively and now been radio playlisted. It certainly showed in their performance that all their hard work had paid off. Despite having just the one album to their name, every one of these songs could easily have been a hit single. Sometimes described as a light grunge act, they also have the fun factor of bands such as Weezer and Foo Fighters. 'Barceloner,' a truly eargasmic experience, was the perfect way to kick off whilst what followed only improved on this. 'Mona Lisa' and 'Never That Together', with their catchy, accessible tunes were just more examples of what the band are capable of. But it was favourite 'My Rock and Roll' that got the biggest reaction from the fans. They completed their set with 'Traynor', only to come back for an encore due to overwhelming demand and the final offering 'All Around The World' rounded off a performance that had definitely wowed their fans. All in all a great night at The Garage. More of the same please, Rock Sound.
