Micachu and the Shapes @ NAC
Pony Up bring three bands to NAC
Having been together for just three months, Painted Heathers are playing their first gig. Considering how early it is, the auditorium is pretty full. All things considered, this is an assured if nervous performance from Brandon, James and Lauren. From the instrumental opener onwards, this is an intriguing mix of shoegaze, post-punk and the lighter end of mid-80s goth. I’m hearing hints of Wire, the Bolshoi, Chameleons and Sennen. With a few more gigs and a bit more confidence, Painted Heathers will be well worth seeing. Definitely one to watch. (7/10)
Jay Popop is joined on-stage tonight by BK & Dad’s drummer Pip. Between them, the pair create an enthralling combination of electronics and percussion. Songs that should be familiar from the (highly recommended) Love Brontosaurus of Love of Love tape mutate into a gut-juddering noise that is part Suicide, part Throbbing Gristle, part Test Department and wholly awesome. More please. (9/10)
Micachu & The Shapes come on like Courtney Barnett on downers covering the Breeders covering the Show Assistants dong a tribute to the Velvet Underground. On paper, I should love this but it just doesn’t engage me. From where I am standing, I am in a minority of one and the rest of the audience seem to be thoroughly into it but I just don’t get it. I want to like it, the playing is decent, the songs are ok and I don’t hate anything about it but it just washes over me. After twenty five minutes I give up and head home. A disappointing end to an otherwise decent Pony Up evening and part of me is wondering whether Micachu & The Shapers were about to click into place and deliver the show I had hoped for. (3/10)
