Boy Kill Boy, Amanaboutadog, Sniper - Esquires 26th February 2006
Reviewed by Martin Stapleton / Pictures by Suzy Cook
Tonight was the final part of this week's Hairgel Trilogy, and my word, they certainly saved the best for last. It was the apparence of Boy Kill Boy that made this a sold out evening to remember. The buzz about them has been colossal, and more so since their single 'Back Again' hit the top 30 last week. When they play it tonight it almost brings the house down.
It is also pleasing to note just how polite and humble Boy Kill Boy are as they greet the audience, and they seem geniunely surprised to see such a turn out on a cold Sunday evening. Peter Carr tinkles the ivories, Kev Chase is bass man supreme and Shaz, the man with no surname, beats the skins. The focal point of Boy Kill Boy however is vocalist Chris Peck, who tonight is a dead ringer for Noel Fielding from cult comedy 'The Mighty Boosh'.
This East London quartet have developed in leaps and bounds since their previous vist to Esquires in November. Seeing them play then at a slightly embryonic stage was exciting, but tonight they are confident and powerful. Last year's single (and forthcoming re-release) 'Suzie' is awe inspiring tonight and with so many Northern guitar bands emerging in these exciting times, Boy Kill Boy are certainly fighting back for the 'Cockneys'.
I suppose tonight's gig might be considered a warm up for when they play old haunt Kings College London tomorrow night (27th) However, there are no such thoughts from the band - it's full on from start to finish with big tunes and tight grooves. The next stage for their developement is the release of their highly anticipated debut album in May, that will hopefully pave the way for a glittering future.
Boy Kill Boy Set List
The lucky bands supporting Boy Kill Boy are firstly Amanaboutadog, a ridiculously catchy name for an infectiously foot-tapping indie outfit. If I could name only one band that they remind me of, I would have to pick that wonderful group of the mid-nineties, Echobelly. Fronted by the cute and wonderfully voiced Claire, this four piece Hertfordshire band formed in July 2005. Opening with the goregous 'The Blues' they also take a trip into ska with 'Float Like A Feather'. The catchy 'Heat In Hong Kong' is reminiscent of Sleeper, another female fronted indie band from the mid 90's and the strength of their songs is underlined by the fact that their cover of The Cure's 'Fire in Cairo' does not sound out of place in their set. Hopefully we'll see more of Amanaboutadog very soon.
Another band making their debut here tonight are Sniper, five immaculately turned out boys from Hitchin. Although they are new to us, their sweet sounds, nervous swagger and angelic yet biting vocals from Chilla endear them to us as though greeting old favourites. With beautiful moments such as 'Don't Throw It All Away' and 'Twenty Somethings', their punchy tunes are an absolute joy.
If I had to criticise one thing, I would suggest that they refrain from covering The Inspiral Carpet's classic cut, 'This Is How It Feels' in future! Fortunately they redeemed themselves by finishing off their set in grand style with 'Good Time Girl.