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| Kagoule live at the Golden Fleece |
Kagoule are still fresh from their opening slot for Dog is Dead at Rock City last month, so tonight must feel something of a demotion for these talented young guys in terms of stage size, but their following (young attractive things that they are) are out in force.
Frontman Cai’s The XX/Pixies style vocals are sounding cracking and although the performance seems slightly lacking in energy at times, there is a humbleness about these guys which is very enjoyable to watch.
The mix of soft melodies work well with the grungy, bass driven riffs. It's also refreshing to see a singer who’s wearing a Black Flag tshirt come out with dreamy distinct vocals. Made of Concrete gets a great response from the crowd and perfectly demonstrates how well the band’s sparse sound works live. You’ve read it here, Kagoule are certainly ones to watch out for.
I’d not seen Something of Boris before, but my immediate reaction is that they clearly aren’t afraid to pull out a guitar solo or two - only very occasionally a great tool in my opinion. Luckily, they don't stick to this too much, at times sounding like a scuzzy Sonic Youth that could pin them down as shoegazers. The band are clearly enjoying themselves with the catchy guitar riffs complimenting the vocalist nicely.
As their set progresses, moments of easily sing-a-long vocals emerge, which is enjoyable, but it feels like something is missing. A few Santana-esque riffs later, its obvious that the band are very tight, but perhaps lack sparkle to keep an audience engaged for a long time.
Up last are Band of Jackals who take to the stage with some feel-good indie/rock’n’roll blues. It’s clear that they’ve got great stage presence and certainly walk the walk in this intimate surrounding.
The front man’s vocals sit well at the front of the mix and the band have a lot of bluesy balls about them. A herd of dedicated Jackal’s fans at the very front of the action appear to be thoroughly enjoying themselves and some have even brought along made some some home-made banners.
The drummer is relentless and sits at the heart of the band’s performance, picking up the pace in the heavier moments of their set. It’s when the band really goes for it with their ferocious jams that they really start to stand out.
One of their songs enters country-meets-psychedelic territory and nicely mixes things up. If you like your rock'n'roll then Band of Jackals do it pretty well.
Kagoule, Something of Boris and Band of Jackals played at The Golden Fleece on Sunday 15 January 2012.
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