Review: Shockwaves NME tour, O2 Academy

By Ruth Kilpatrick, Evening Chronicle

THIS year’s Shockwaves NME tour sees London boys The Maccabees given the headline slot.

They’re a worthy choice when you consider they’ve spent the best part of five years building a loyal fanbase via their numerous tours.

More importantly, they have a second album of material to play – unlike the rest of the bands in Thursday’s line-up.

First to the stage are New York’s The Drums, whose mix of upbeat pop rhythms with a Joy Division-esque sound and attitude makes for an interesting performance – especially during the soon-to- be released single Best Friends via the champions of new artists Moshi Moshi Records.

Having put out their last two singles and created a whole load of industry hype, this affiliation should see 2010 being a good year for The Drums.

Next up is The Big Pink who are far more interesting than their played-to- death single Dominos would have you believe.

Despite their dubious cover of the classic Cannonball by The Breeders, the show sees a darker and far more intricate side to The Big Pink than I’d previously been aware of.

The biggest shock, however, came in the form of Bombay Bicycle Club – four boys from the South East.

Having only ever seen them play an acoustic set, I was pleasantly surprised to watch them take command of the stage and, in turn, the audience, in such a relentless fashion. Energetic throughout, they blasted through tracks from their debut album I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose.

I’m fairly certain that frontman Jack Steadman’s constant look of pleasant disbelief only served to further endear them to the already receptive crowd.

The biggest cheer of the night, however, went to Orlando Weeks and Co. as the Maccabees plus their three-piece brass section took to the stage.

Opening with William Powers from 2009’s Wall of Arms album and following with highlights such as the brooding No Kind Words, plus old favourite X-Ray, they demonstrated how their music and live performances have matured to an unquestionable level of proficiency.

They have a talent that captures your attention above all others on the bill and thoroughly deserve any success that comes their way.

The NME tour runs until the end of the month.