To celebrate the release of their debut album, ‘Nothing Hurts’, East London three piece Male Bonding hosted a typically rambunctious party in the dingy basement of London’s City Arts & Music Project. The trio, signed to the legendary Sub Pop label, played a fast and loud set in front of a crowd that seemed intent on crowd surfing despite the venues perilously low ceiling.
Tearing through the album in track order, Male Bonding proved that they are one of the tightest and most exciting bands around. Lead singer John Arthur Webb’s reverb drained vocals are perfectly complemented by Kevin Hendricks jittering basslines and Robin Silas Christians frenzied rhythms – aided by some welcome cowbell usage.
Celebrating Upset The Rhythm’s 300th show, the band certainly inspired feverish celebrations from the crowd. Bodies collided as tracks like ‘Years Not Long’ and the irresistibly catchy ‘Nothing Remains’ tore from the speakers. Despite attracting confusing heckles from the crowd, the band were happy to let madness commence as they struggled with falling mike stands and the ever present threat of a foot to the face from an eager crowd member. For more pictures see the link below.
Photos By David Sutheran.
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Jon Davies Gigs/ Events, News Male Bonding
London promoters Upset The Rhythm proved beyond doubt that Sub Pop still have an eye for finding great new alternative music. Recent signings Dum Dum Girls showed why they have the likes of Pitchfork and Vice eating out of their hands . Hailing from LA, the quartet pen beautifully fuzzy and spiky pop; recalling Motown harmonies but also the feedback drenched punk of bands like Black Tambourine.
Also performing on the night was London’s own Male Bonding. Again another recent signing to the legendary imprint, the punky trio set the tone perfectly with a frantic set. Tracks like ‘Years Not Long’ are delivered with reverb soaked vocals and backed by a mind numbingly tight rhythm section. The band are about to embark on US tour with Vivian Girls and will hopefully transfer the tenacity of their live show across an album.
While Dum Dum Girls decreased the pace slightly after Male Bonding, they were no less well received. The packed crowd gently nodded along to lead singer Dee Dee’s hypnotic vocals. Showcasing tracks from their forthcoming debut album, ‘I Will Be’, Dum Dum Girls showed that they perfectly justify the lavish praise they’ve been receiving of late. The band are about to play SXSW later this month, before embarking on a full US tour supporting American indie band, Girls. For more details head to their MySpace.
Jon Davies News Dum Dum Girls, Male Bonding
