Warpaint

O2 Academy, Leeds

2 Stars

Bands have written and recorded entire albums in the time it takes Warpaint to perform Elephants.

The Californian quartet's set closer doesn't so much meander as disintegrate in self-indulgent prog-rock. Its lack of hooks or direction, combined with a distinct absence of stage presence, calls into question their reputation for intense live shows.

With only bass player Jenny Lee Lindberg seeming to enjoy herself there's a disconnect between their tight playing and the furious grooves they seek to create on both this track and the rest of their 90-minute set.

It's a decision to focus on the rhythm section, which occupies centre stage, that does initially appear to pay dividends. Opening songs Intro, Keep It Healthy and Bees have a leaner sound than on record, with some of the dreamy shoegaziness stripped away by drum machine and keyboard.

This newfound funkiness coalesces most effectively on the luscious Jacksonesque Disco/Very but in the main it comes at the expense of memorable tunes. The likes of Feeling Alright and Biggy bleed into one another and even the four-way vocals lack any distinguishing character.

It's not until they remember the importance of melodies on Billie Holiday - which incorporates large sections of Mary Wells's My Guy - and Undertow that they succeed in genuine audience connection.

Unfortunately this isn't enough to salvage a set that delivers blandishments rather than the anticipated intensity.

Warpaint are touring Britain in June, details: www.warpaintwarpaint.com.

Susan Darlington