Italia 90. A phrase which evokes such memories. Argentina's shock defeat to Cameroon. Claudio Caniggia's flowing locks. Claudio Caniggia almost being scythed in half by Benjamin Massing. Roger Milla's dancing. Diego Maradona's last hurrah. Packie Bonner's heroics. David Platt's volley. Frank Rijkaard spitting on Rudi Voller. Brazil underwhelming again. Toto Schillaci. Penalty heartbreak. Gazza's tears. Nessun Dorma.
Ok, so I love the name and I probably first checked them out because of it, but it's their take on post-punk which brought me here tonight.
Slowhandclap open proceedings tonight. I only manage to catch a few numbers but they are very impressive. They play heavy post-punk built on propulsive basslines. However, when they lock into a groove they can be quite danceable too, whilst the final number is brooding and ominous. I'd definitely be interested in seeing them again.
Fraulein are up next, a two piece playing mid-90s indie which sounds like PJ Harvey meets Belly or Sleater Kinney. Talking of PJ Harvey 'Be Cool' has a 'Dress' vibe to it. There are also moments which remind me of Veruca Salt. It isn't all good though. I'm not sure we needed a drum solo, even if the purpose of it was to give vocalist Joni's larynx a bit of a rest as she struggles with her voice. Hardly surprising, given the range of yelps and squeals which she subjects her voicebox to. The closing number is a bit of a plodder too but overall, this is decent.
The headliners have just released their debut album, 'Living Human Treasure', and there is an air of anticipation as they take to the stage. However, both band and crowd are a little subdued to start with. It takes a couple of songs for the energy level to rise but when it does, the crowd responds accordingly. The aggressive 'Magdalene's heavy Fallisms excite while 'New Factory' with it's insistent refrain, is bouncy yet spiky. Stroke City, with it's foreboding recurring line, 'you never thought that one day they would come for you, you're not a terrorist and politics ain't what you do', is performed with real energy. The band play a really well paced set with lots of tempo changes, sometimes all within the same song.
The band are great, each adding their own character to their Joy Division influenced sound. The rhythm section, J Dangerous and Bobby Portrait, are the bedrock of their sound, locking into solid grooves and occasionally motorik rhythms. Vocalist Les Miserable, adds an almost oi/streetpunk edge with his spoken/yelled delivery and left-leaning slogans. However, guitarist, Unusual Prices, is the most impressive. His guitar work during Funny Bones is glorious and he really conjures some interesting sounds out of his instrument.
Overall, a great night.
Italia 90 ****
Fraulein ***
Slowhandclap ****
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