WHITE
performed at The Bodega Social Club in Nottingham on 27th of
February 2016, with support by Lowrie and Twin Kidd
B
|
efore
WHITE rip onto the stage with the power and rock ‘n’ roll ostentation of super group
heavyweights, we don’t know what to expect. Entering the intimate venue, a
bespectacled man sits behind a merchandise table. He thanks people for coming,
and modestly hopes the show will meet their expectations – the man is Lewis
Andrew, WHITE’s bassist. The crowd gather tentatively. A young man, with a
bushy mop of hair steps on the stage and opens a laptop. This isn’t the sound
technician, it is the first support act, and he calls himself Lowrie.
“I
decided to get with the times and get a laptop. I’m not regretting it. It’s a
lot of fun.” After a brief introduction, the Nottingham local and former
acoustic artist begins to perform. He delivers an engulfing sound that demands
our attention. His primal, heartfelt wails fill the stage more than one man should
be capable of, vibrating the headline act’s drum set behind him.
His new
direction has clearly been informed by his acoustic background, and the
resulting music is often experimental – “out there” in his words – giving the
impression that it has been shaped by countless days spent messing around with
sound in his bedroom. Through his live sampling, he seems to create a symbiotic
relationship with his equipment, moving his hands like a classical composer,
the music flows through him, and the result is quite captivating.
Lowrie’s
blend of classical piano sounds, modern synth and echo-enhanced vocals is a
spectacle to behold. There is a personal resonance here, and it has the sparse
crowd engrossed – his aching falsetto voice evokes a less-refined Thom Yorke. He
earnestly sings of love and regret, and his lyrics have a reflective maturity.
“I’m try’na make it big in a world full of arrogance” – he sings in the standout
song, For Reasons Unknown – as if his words are a memoir based on his
perception of the music industry. The show is off to a good start.
The next
act, the Alternative Pop trio Twin Kidd, also hail from Nottingham. This gig
marks their live debut. Although they use more traditional instruments, with
the aid of a few laptops, they are able to complement Lowrie’s indie-vibes with
mellow, free-spirited fun. Front women
Stef Williamson commands the band. Her soulful, Lorde-esque vocals over the keyboard
and guitar of Rich Lyon and the drums of Sam Davies keep the standard high. Their sound is at once dreamy, soothing and
funky – a curious blend of electronica backing tracks and subdued pop melodies.
Understandably,
their stage presence is of a fresh-faced band not yet quite sure of their
ability. But what these newcomers lack in confidence, they more than make up
for in their highly adept delivery of catchy songs. Influenced by the
foot-tapping Pop Rock of HAIM, and underpinned by electronic beats, channelling
bands like Gorillaz and Chvrches, Twin Kidd unravel a pleasing collage of chirpy
tunes.
As Williamson
tentatively picks up the guitar, her harmonies seem to melt into the purple
hues of the stage lighting. The crowd unwind, Twin Kidd succeed splendidly in
easing us into the coming experience.
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| Twin Kidd perform at The Bodega Social Club |
Enter:
WHITE. The Glaswegian headline act ignite the stage, immediately picking up the
tempo with their hot off the press song One Night Stand Forever – their
delivery is explosive and dancing is inevitable. Although this marks their
first headline tour, their effortless coolness and flawless delivery gives the
impression that they are seasoned performers – and indeed they are. Three of
the band are former members of the folk-rock outfit Kassidy, before the band
spit (their lead singer leaving the group, to be in Los Angeles with his then
girlfriend, Lana Del Rey.) Guitarists Hamish Fingland and Chris Potter, drummer
Kirstin Lynn and bassist Lewis Andrew are joined by lead singer Leo Condie – a former
member of another disbanded Glaswegian group, Low Miffs.
Perhaps
ironic – considering the band’s name – the pink neon tubes on the stage match
the colourful electronic funk sound the band delivers. Condie’s voice is
exceptional – an eclectic fuse of Jarvis Cocker and the post-punk energy of
Franz Ferdinand’s Alex Kapranos. Wearing a flamboyant red leather jacket, he playfully
dances with the microphone stand – belting out songs with the self-assured authority
of a true rock star. The band firmly wedge their foot in the door, their
dazzling prowess is even more remarkable coming from a band yet to release
their first album. They certainly make a good first impression.
WHITE
continue to perform expertly crafted songs throughout their set, delivered with
studio-polished expertise. The audience are enthralled – this band is a force
to be reckoned with. While Lynn pounds the snare drum with momentous energy, the
guitarists’ dexterous
execution of sensational hooks and pounding basslines are a match for the
spectacle of Condie’s powerhouse vocals. The band draw inspiration from the
pulsing dance beats of LCD Soundsystem to create an enticing combination of
guitar-driven punk that is relentlessly groovy.
Halfway
through their set, they launch into the phenomenal Living Fiction, and their
tunes are firmly imprinted into our minds. Their song Blush couples taut,
guitar smacking rhythm with a hair-raising chorus, allowing Condie to reach his
shrieking vocal zenith.
Channelling
the best of 1980’s pop through a distinctly modern mouthpiece, they close the
show with their hit debut single Future Pleasures. The poppy, yet
other-worldly anthem exhibits the group’s annihilating, euphoric spirit.
WHITE, Lowrie and Twin Kidd have gained at least one fan tonight.
Do make sure to 'like' WHITE, Lowrie and Twin Kidd on facebook, and follow them on twitter! (@calledWHITE, @FrazerLowrie and @TWIN_KIDD_)
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| New biggest fan: Me with WHITE front man Leo Condie |
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