Skip to main content

Live Music: Splashh + The Wytches + Charlie Boyer & The Voyeurs + Shy Nature

Wytches brew up a storm in the Garage

Splashh + The Wytches + Charlie Boyer & The Voyeurs + Shy Nature

The Garage, London N5

4 Stars

After a less than impressive opener from Shy Nature, who come across as a tad outdated with their Mystery Jets and Maccabees inclinations, the Wytches take the stage.

Intense and visceral, they evoke memories of Paul Morley and Mick Middle's great reviews of early Joy Division gigs.

Frontman Kristian Bell's vocals are akin to Jack White at times until he lets rip with his animal snarl, which takes the band from indie rock into Cobain-esque grunge.

While the last decade has witnessed a growing popularity in psychedelia, in the last 12 months acts like Tame Impala and Pond have been drifting towards prog-rock and, sadly, their output contains very little attitude.

That's not the case with The Wytches (pictured above) who, on this showing are heading towards the anguish of the Rolling Stones' Paint It Black but with the aggression of Nirvana circa Bleach.

The unenviable task of following The Wytches' blistering set falls to Charlie Boyer and The Voyeurs. Their mid-tempo Richard Hell-cum-glam rock numbers are somewaht underwhelming for half their set but by the end, and especially on the infectious anthem I Watch You, they win the crowd back somewhat.

This might not be the perfect venue for the Heavenly Records outfit but preaching to the converted is not always the healthiest experience and this outing will stand them in good stead.

Headlining the night are Hackney's Splashh. Their east London roots play almost no part in their set as they produce the the archetypical Seattle sound.

Over a year ago, they played the 100 Club in London and were just beginning to receive the hype The Wytches are right now.

Since then they have released their debut album Comfort to critical acclaim and have become a very polished live outfit.

Tight and well-honed, they rival the earlier set by The Wytches and the adulation from the crowd is massive.

Yet one can't help but wonder how long it will be before The Wytches tower above them on a Reading Festival line-up.

Mike Adams

OWNED BY OUR READERS

We're a reader-owned co-operative, which means you can become part of the paper too by buying shares in the People’s Press Printing Society.

 

 

Become a supporter

Fighting fund

You've Raised:£ 13,288
We need:£ 4,712
3 Days remaining
Donate today