LIARS and DEERHUNTER (London Koko, 17/06/08)

It’s always odd going to shows where you’ve not heard any of the acts playing. Sometimes it works out well- some of the best shows I’ve been to have involved bands I’d never experienced before- but more often I’ve walked out wondering what all the fuss was all about. This gig neatly encapsulated both, delivering both a resounding success and a somewhat damp squib.

The considered, melodic fuzz of Deerhunter wasn’t well served by the Koko’s dire acoustics, but despite the lack of volume and static stage demeanour it was clear that these guys have something special about them- they captured that same mesmerising, hazy groove that the Animal Collective crew does so well. A generous hour long support slot allowed them time to slowly build up their multi-layered walls of noise, and although some areas dragged a bit, I couldn’t help but be thoroughly impressed.

Liars on the other hand came across like a watered down Les Savy Fav- more notable for the antics of likable Ozzie frontman Angus Andrew rather than their musical abilities. That’s not to say their energetic post-punk is bad (although sometimes it really is terrible) but apart from a couple of endearing singalongs and the occasional inspired groove it never really sparked. In fairness, much of the blame lies with the dreadful audience who generally looked like they’d been dragged to the venue by gunpoint- any energy expended by the band was quickly lost in a void of indifference. But even taking that into account, there wasn’t much there that suggested they really deserved the hype- a fun diversion, but nothing more.

(Photo: Hidden Shine (Flickr))