Up-coming Halifax band alongside new Notts talent...
If last Friday at The Chameleon is anything to go by, we in the UK have got an exciting few years ahead of us (in terms of indie-pop, if nothing else). Halifax up-and-comers The Orielles headlined a thoroughly top night, with robust support from local favourites Babe Punch and Cherry Hex & The Dream Church.
First on were Cherry Hex, whose spacey vibrations easily quashed the sound of bustling late-comers. The slow, bass-heavy nature of Cherry Hex’s music meant that bopping was kept to a minimum, but Maddy Chamberlain’s eerie voice captivated the room. Eager to show their engagement, the crowd swayed in such a way that I was reminded of the serious dancing teens from that iconic ‘Homerpalooza’ Simpsons episode (I mean that wholly affectionately). The cherry (geddit?) on top of the set was Toska, an impressively dreamy track, which is as-yet unreleased.
The Cherry Hex trance lasted right up until the next band took to the stage. A switch flipped once Babe Punch began, their almighty energy moved the audience into a flurry of bobbing knees and jabbing elbows. In amongst their own brilliant tracks, we were treated to a couple of expertly selected covers. Chris Isaak’s Wicked Game was especially riveting (and provided some down-time for the lively crowd). If you get the chance, go and see Babe Punch, they were made to be heard live.
Boogie time was well underway once The Orielles began their energetic set. Their back catalogue is reasonably small, but tight, varied and thoroughly crowd-pleasing. Surf-pop and psych-rock aplenty: the formula for many a great night.
This young group work together like a well-oiled machine. The sharp, confident drums and driving bass lines converse with one another smoothly. This provides a solid foundation for some excellent, jangly guitar work. Guitarist Henry Wade was exciting to watch. He and the guitar did not appear to be two separate entities as he moshed and jived around with it, before leaping into the crowd to mingle.
It was lovely to see the band enjoy themselves onstage. In fact, this attitude extended to everyone there: the mood was cheerful and the groups were keen to support and complement one another. The Orielles concluded the night with Sugar Tastes Like Salt, a massive, stirring, opus of a track that knocked the audience spinning.
The Orielles, Babe Punch and Cherry Hex & The Dream Church were at The Chamelon on Friday 28 April 2017.
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