First gig of the year, a free one at the excellent pub venue The Old Blue Last, Shoreditch, curated by DIY Music.
As a new year comes around you begin to wonder if we should cut down on the number of gigs we go to but all sense of pulling back on the gig-going was dispelled on the first crashing guitar chord of 3-strong band Trudy.
Lead singer wore a Strokes T-shirt. The opener to the first number suggested we were in for a Girl Band/Rolo Tomassi scream-fest, but things mellowed slightly as this band produced an excellent set with overtones of various vocal styles from Bombay Bicycle Club to Elvis. The lead singer/guitarist could perhaps be best summed up as an angry Sweet Baboo. Excellent harmonies too from the bass player and sticks-man who contributed to the vocals throughout.
Next up was Willy J Healy, accompanied by guitar, bass and drums. Willy introduced himself slightly lamely as Willy J Healy & Friends 'because we haven't thought of a band name yet'. But a together band they certainly are in Maccabees/Strokes style. Willy gave humorous ad-libs between songs. Highlight was Subterraneans, s song with excellent slide guitar.
Bruising took the stage next. With an energetic female lead singer they put you in mind of Joy Formidable. Their jerky rhythms made this band a female Brakes. Downside was the highly repetitive guitar riff from the guitarist who seemed reluctant to use anything other the top end of the fret board.
Finally the main attraction Diet Cig. A two piece from New York State. Think White Stripes in reverse. Drummer Noah Bowman took control of the room from the first beat of the set, providing the backbone throughout. The female singer Alex Luciano belted out her vocal in the style of Molly from Alvvays resulting in this pair producing an excellent blend of rockin tunes, culminating with her crowd surfing while playing her guitar during the closing number
Si n Sally
