Live: Hhymn, 94 Gunships and We Show Up On Radar

A night at The Chameleon usually requires a set of steel-capped earplugs, but with the first act on the line-up being We Show Up On Radar, it was the most chilled out sounds I’ve heard coming from the epic speaker pillars that guard the stage. Settling down on the big squishy sofa, it was a gentle start to the night’s proceedings.

It’s been a couple of years since WSUOR released any new material, so it was a familiar set for anyone that has seen them before. For anyone that hasn’t, WSUOR are twee with a capital T; hushed vocals and acoustic loveliness wrap up little stories that are more often than not darker than they first appear. Andy’s dry quips between songs made the set feel even more intimate, and we were treated to a new track from his forthcoming album.

Talking things up a notch were 94 Gunships, a stomping blues band with the sandpapered vocals of Will Jeffrey. His singing partner in crime in this outfit is Rob Davidson, who is no less bluesy but his slightly smoother tones complement Will’s perfectly, giving a depth to the already large sound. Although they’ve only been around for just over a year, and their sound isn’t comparable to any other local band, you kind of feel that you know the songs inside out when you hear them. A band with a sense of humour and a great heft of talent, you’ll be humming their catchy tunes after a couple of listens.

Hhymn / Lost Peaks

The evening’s headliner act, Hhymn, had decided in their wisdom that their name was shit, and that this gig was going to be when they broke free of its shackles. With a new album visible on the horizon, they wanted a rebranding to be proud of, and it was down to a crowd vote from a pre-chosen list. Now, it seems that these guys can write one hell of a tune but they really shouldn’t be allowed to name themselves. The post-it note votes came back with their new name as… Lost Peaks. Expect more ballot let gigs in the future.

Identity crisis aside, they owned the stage. Not drawing direct comparisons because they don’t actually sound like these bands, but fans of Doves and Elbow would not go far wrong checking out Hhymn/Lost Peaks, they produce epic sounding songs that sweep you away. The drumming was notable in its preciseness, not relying on brute strength but instead adding layers to the harmonies being created through the keyboards and guitars. Ed Bannard used his voice similarly, not just singing straight down the mike but positioning and moving himself during tracks to give optimum effects to the sounds he was producing. Just as you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover – don’t judge a band by their name.

Lost Peaks (nee Hhymn), 94 Gunships and We Show Up On Radar played at The Chameleon on Thursday 26 June.