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The Old Romantic Killer Band kick things off, and the duo's primitive, authentic take on the blues is a stark reminder that it's possible to borrow elements from older styles of music without becoming a mere homage to your predecessors. What's particularly impressive about their performance is that it's drummer Greg's first time out with them - you certainly wouldn't know. Singer/guitarist Harry possesses a fantastic, angst-ridden blues growl, one showcased to great effect on the likes of 'Lovers Pass' and future Bad Sneakers single 'You Don't Know How To Love'. Ones to watch, for sure.

Grammatics are a band we've loved for a while, and tonight's showing does nothing to change that - check their previous reviews on the site for more on them.

Headliners Ox.Eagle.Lion.Man formed from the ashes of Les Incompetents, a band who didn't actually release any records in their short existence but whose influence on the current London set is unquestionable. Understandably, perhaps, singer Fred MacPherson has the air of a man who's been there and done this all before. Stalking the stage malevolently and spitting lyrics into his mic, he comes across a bit like The Horrors' Faris Rotter - if he'd listened to less of The Cramps and more of The Birthday Party. Fortunately, MacPherson doesn't cover us in paint or leave the stage once during their set either. Musically, Ox.Eagle.Lion.Man are certainly a competent enough proposition - though the guitarist does look and sound like he should be in a classic rock covers band - but it's to MacPherson that eyes are inevitably drawn. The frontman's charisma, combined with his often theatrical lyrics, ensure the words take equal precedence to the music, particularly on 'Motherhood/Fatherhood', their only recorded output to date. They're working on a new E.P. at the moment, and on tonight's performance it's going to be interesting seeing how this already accomplished new band continues to develop.

oxeaglelionman

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