Music > Live Reviews

FEMME DÉ, RAVE ON THE DOLE & SHOELACE FOR THE BUILDER

Voodoo Daddy's Showroom

23/06/23

 It is a Friday night and time for Pica Pica, Pica Pica v. 11. 

First up, we have SHOELACE FOR THE BUILDER. The four piece are a new one on me and I have to say that I am impressed by their punk-meets-groove metal. There’s driving bass and rhythm guitar, classy lead and vox that mix hardcore ran with rap. There’s a confidence here that verges on the cocky but in a good way. Highlights include some bowed guitar on Hello Loop that trying to be neither Page nor Jonsi. If I have a complaint it is that the (admittedly excellent) Fontaine’s DC cover is probably unnecessary given the strength of their own songs. 

Two piece post-rock instrumentalists RAVE ON THE DOLE are in fine form, showcasing excellent album We, Dinosauria (out on Drongo Records - buy it, people, buy it). I’ve previously co,pared the, to Explosions In The Sky and I’d stand by that but there are also elements of Nordic Giants more guitar-based moments on show tonight. They finish with the mighty Chicxulub and leave me wanting more. 

Tonight is FEMME DÉ’s first headliner and they certainly at the top of their game tonight. From raging opener Driftwood though a fearsome T to raging closer Racing Horse, there is no let up in the intensity. I’ve seen Femme Dé before and been impressed but this is next level stuff. The sound is feral and angry and intense - in the best way - with roots in riot girl, hardcore and post-punk, but the band are also having fun. 

All in all, another cracking gig courtesy of Pica Pica, Pica Pica and Voodoo Daddy’s.