This is the last article you can read this month
You can read more article this month
You can read more articles this month
Sorry your limit is up for this month
Reset on:
Please help support the Morning Star by subscribing here
Skating Polly
The Lexington, London
MIXING melody with cacophony, poetic lyrics and lots of attitude Skating Polly are making loud and in-your-face antsy rock with a twist.
Formed back in 2009 by stepsisters Kelli Mayo – then just nine years old — and Peyton Bighorse (aged 14), and augmented by brother Kurtis Mayo since 2017, Oklahoma’s Skating Polly have built not only a big back catalogue but also a reputation for sizzling live shows; they don’t disappoint.
Terming their style Ugly Pop, the music combines punk, indie and a pop edge that brings to mind the best of L7, Hole and The Pixies mixed in with a more commonplace Taylor Swift tunefulness.
From the get go it’s full of energy.
Launching into Queen for a Day, the focus is on Kelli (who has only just turned 22) before switching across to Peyton and back while Kurtis drums nonchalantly and effortlessly helping all come together.
Louder in Outer Space follows, with vocals and guitar playing off and with each other, there’s harmonies aplenty and a signature style that is derivative of classic 1980s American alt-rock but a sound they make their own.
As the set continues, they are revelling in their influences, but taking them forward. Kelli is getting ever more animated – her expressive gurning gives the audience licence to let rip and they do.
The set is refreshed by the band switching instruments on multiple occasions.
Further highlights include Nothing More Than a Body and Hail Mary, with the band touching on the issues of anger, abuse and awe.
The set ends with They’re Cheap (I’m Free) a whirling maelstrom of musical malevolence and wonder with Kelli wailing while rocking and kicking out, Kurtis attacking his guitar with a drumstick and Peyton holding it all together on drums.
A quick encore – that echoes the best of Nirvana – while also being suitably Skating Polly, brings a close to a show that should be filling stadiums.
There is top talent here, one that deserves a wider audience that can truly appreciate the wonderful and awesome world that Skating Polly inhabit.
Currently touring - for dates visit: skatingpolly.com/tour.
