In possession of one of the coolest band names around, Cymbals Eat Guitars, hailing from Staten Island, New York, greet tonight’s Hoxton crowd in understated fashion, before entertaining with a tight set drawing heavily from their 2009 album ‘Why There Are Mountains’.
The part shoegaze, part surf rock four piece innovatively weave jangly indie guitar melodies. Front man Joseph D’Agostino howls out his vocals in mesmerizing fashion, backed by subtle keys and taught bass and drum rhythms. It is at the peak of their melodic builds, however, that Cymbals… wield their power as a band equipped with many a intense, distorted guitar solo. Such freakouts inject a raw passion in to tracks like ‘…And the Hazy Sea’ or ‘Indiana’, staying just the right side of overly noise heavy breakdowns.
It’s already been quite a year for the four men from Staten Island who make up Cymbals Eat Guitars. After earning glowing praise from the likes of Pitchfork and NME and touring with The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, the band have now announced they’re debut album, ‘Why There Are Mountains’, will be getting a UK release through Memphis Industries. If that wasn’t enough, the band were personally asked by The Flaming Lips to support them for two London shows at The Troxy.
While this rise may urk many a struggling musician, the attention Cymbals Eat Guitars are recieving is more than justified. Their lush melodic indie, recalling Pavement and Modest Mouse, is sure to continue to win over new fans throughout 2009. The band are currently on tour in the US; for more tracks and tour dates check their Myspace.
