Colourmusic

Date:  Friday 27 May 2011

Venue:  Barfly, Camden

I didn't really know much about Colourmusic, apart from the fact they're from Oklahoma (well, three of them are, the fourth is from Yorkshire), and that they seem to be getting a bit of momentum behind them following the release of the My___is Pink album last month (their first LP after a couple of colour-themed EPs).  Listening to the album a few times whetted my appetite for this gig, as it's a wall of sound - a raw record, something of a grower and one which seems made to be performed live.  Apparently the band wanted to record what 'pink' sounds like.  They have been compared to early Flaming Lips (not sure about this really - it seems to me the similarities are more geographical than musical) but prefer to call themselves purveyors of 'Oklahoma sex rock' which sounds far more interesting.  I was expecting a loud and lively night, perfect to kick off the Bank Holiday weekend.

Driver Drive Faster (pic by @thelawes)

The gig was an XFM sponsored show, and the announcement that support would be provided by Manchester's Driver Drive Faster was very welcome, as they're a bit of a Marc Riley 6 Music favourite (and we have tickets to see them on June 22nd).  I thought they were bursting with potential, an interesting mix of British and alternative American influences and a real knack for creating a pop tune without sounding cliched or hackneyed.  Check out their 'It's All Over (It's Everywhere)' single.  

Keeping to a very strict timetable, the compere announced the next band, ANR, who turned out to be a bit of a force of nature.  A two-piece from Miami, with the always-welcome feature of a singing drummer, the crowd certainly appreciated their heavy psychedelic-tinged sound and piledriving tunes, which were a mixture of straightforwardly brilliant rock and melodic disco sounds provided by keyboards and laptop.  The downside of this event with it's strictly regulated short slots was rapidly becoming apparent - I think this is the first gig I've been to when the audience were begging for an encore from a support band, and succeeded in twisting the reluctant arm of the compere to allow a short but rumbustious finale.  Well worth looking up: http://anrmiami.com/

ANR (pic by @thelawes)

 

Colourmusic (all pics by @thelawes)

As the stage was being set up for Colourmusic the tiny room suddenly became very packed, and down at the front we almost had our heads under the microphone stands.  The Barfly was quite a lot smaller than I was expecting, and was the perfect size and shape for this sort of night.  An air of anticipation was all around.  What can I say?  Colourmusic rocked.  Singer/guitarist Ryan Hendrix said the band were very happy to be in London, but that the show was dedicated to Oklahoma, in light of the recent destructive tornadoes over there.  At the risk of being trite tonight's show was certainly a kind of anti-tornado tornado, a heavy, sweaty and totally exuberant performance which sounded fantastic.  Playing all of the new record, the twisted pop of single 'Tog' perhaps got a marginally bigger cheer only for being better known, but the whole set was a highlight really and the crowd were going mad throughout. 

It's been a while since I felt sheer disbelief when a set finished, something obviously felt by plenty of others in the crowd.  We joined the euphoric swarm to congratulate the band, who were real sweeties, and then made a bee-line for the merch stand where I suddenly found myself buying a signed bandana... 

The bassist said they'd had a great tour, but, that while nights like tonight were fantastic, they'd only played to around 3 people in Newcastle.  Unbelievable.  On the strength of this performance, I'm quite sure they won't have that problem again on the next tour.  If you get the chance to see these guys - go - you won't regret it.  Though maybe take your ear-plugs ;-)




Purchased:  ANR limited edition 7" with painted sleeve, Colourmusic bandana (I know, I know)