Amelia’s Magazine | Strange Idols

There can be no more than 15 people scattered around tonight’s venue to witness a performance of much promise from London‘s Strange Idols. Taking the stage in a rather unassuming manner, the 5 piece promptly belt out Berlin– its breezy pop tones serving as a nice pipe opener, before the introduction of newbie Over and Over. Showcasing ambition as well as pop sensibilities, it’s all swooning choruses and chiming guitars, and it’s allowed to run its course. So far so good.

The momentum stalls a little with the slighly dull Xray Vision, with a non descript and forgettable lyric, an uninspiring melody is (just about) saved by a particularly pronounced and dominant bassline.

But even when they dont charm you with their songs, thanks to frontwoman Launette Coxeter, Strange Idols remain a thoroughly enagaging live act. Coxeter dominates the stage from the outset. Charismatic and exciting, her choice of attire leaves little to the imagination, and at times her in between song quips are almost demeaning to her fellow band members. But she carries the band, her vocals are spot on and she is captivating throughout.

The set is short and sweet – standout tracks She’s Gonna Let You Down Again (which features a shameless Dire Straits riff rip off) and It’s No Fun echo the best bits of Elastica and The Cure, guitarist Davey Smith chipping in with vocals on the latter.It is a welcome variation.

There are many things to like about Strange Idols. They look and sound the part, and they leave you wanting more. It’s a good combination, and you get the feeling there will be rather more than 15 souls in attendance the next time they grace the venue with their presence.

Categories ,Band, ,Live, ,Pop, ,Review, ,Strange Idols

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