Steven LegardThe night arrived, The ABC Club were in town, last night. After gracing the people across The Pennines, in Manchester, last week it was time the Halifax five-piece came back to the white rose county to give us a share of the delights.
The Stereo’s dimly lit and compact surroundings are perfect qualities for an intimate gig and as a cluster of dedicated fans from all three bands turned up, it proved to become a much personalised social gathering, as all three bands brought something sweet to spoil the merging audience.
Leeds band, The Horn The Hunt made the stage first, led by a female vocalist whom paraded an outfit, Karen O’ would have been proud of. From gentle atmospheric beats to deep bass and beastly drum rolls, all were accompanied by vocals that showed no boundaries. The front-woman went from bellowing screams to beautiful harmonies, as she elegantly waved her hands in motion.
Next up were Londoners, Torches. The tall dark and mysterious frame of the some what charming front man owned the stage. As soon as the band played the first note, the singer eccentrically busted out tensed up moves that would have put the late Ian Curtis to shame. Theatrical shapes made possible from dark indie-rock synths, samples and electronic beats from the drum.
After two exhilarating performances, headliners The ABC club made their way to the stage greeted by applauds from the audience. The shoe gazed outfit played their way through eight songs that included new and old to a crowd of loyal and devoted followers that appreciated every moment. They got things rolling with Electric Rush, a song I wasn’t too familiar with, but didn’t disappoint, then not long after it was added alongside old favourite, Friend of Mine. Energetic guitar riffs echoed through the room as lead-singer, Zandra stood motionless, with only her tapping right brogue showing any signs of getting carried away with the powerful guitar infused melodies.
Resemblances of bands like The Strokes could be heard, bringing back guitar music, without the need for samples or synth improvisation. The guitarist played his guitar close to his chest and pinched the threat board at ease and scattershot bursts of energy from the drummer, brought together lyrically in a similar form to The Smiths, with additional charm from the Tweed jacketed singer.
All three songs from their upcoming EP featured on the set list, Scattered Light, Grandfather Clock and finally my personal favourite, White Lies. The ABC Club bring something back to music that many seemed to have moved on and forgotten to include and that’s fun. They were a joy to watch and their songs compile elegance and good old fashioned indie-pop.
For those that are reading this and didn’t come last night, you missed a rejoicing evening. All three acts were tremendous in their own way and brought something unique. Be sure to avoid the same mistake when they drop by next time and get to one of their shows, it well and truly would be a great shame to miss out.
