The Pains of Being Pure at Heart / The Depreciation Guild

02 Academy, Newcastle upon Tyne on Wed 2nd Dec 2009

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, a New York four piece, have been making quite a name for themselves on both sides of the Atlantic.

They're now starting to become a really respected band amongst journalists and fans alike, and there's no reason to wonder as to why this is; they're one of the most exciting, refreshing and enjoyable bands to break in recent times.

First up tonight however is The Depreciation Guild, a fellow Brooklyn band, who, having read several internet blogs, have been making a good impression of themselves on their first trip over to the UK, and I was not left disappointed by the hype.

With an impressive screen show as a back drop, the band seemed to leave the audience captivated by their infectious indie/electro crossover pop, really drawing the crowd in on their music.

The almost Smiths like 'Dream on Me,/i>' and 'Sky Ghosts', much like the material of M83, really impressed, and the audience definitely warmed to the band quickly, showing their appreciation throughout, and when leaving, a lot of merchandise seemed to go, which can never be a thing to see as a band.

However, tonight was all about the headliners. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, as I said earlier having been receiving a lot of attention in recent, especially from the likes of Pitchfork, and they've even been hand-picked by My Bloody Valentine to play this weekend's All Tomorrow's Parties festival, which they take as a massive compliment, having spoke to the band about it.

Having released a self-titled EP in 2007, it's taken a while for the band to really break through, but now, following the release of their debut album 'The Pains of Being Pure at Heart' in February of this year, and the recent 'Higher than the Stars' EP release, for which this tour is based around, the band have really drawn in the fans.

It's clear from first listen that their Cure like sounds are infectious, with 'Higher than the Stars' really showing that the band are capable a really poignant and heartfelt pop song, without getting too 'sappy'. Lead singer Kip Berman's voice soothes directly over the music, and it feels like his voice simply washes through you, they really are that good.

Highlights in tonight's set included 'Higher than the Stars', 'Come Saturday' and 'Young Adult Friction', but for me it was the as yet untitled new track that the band debuted that was the most impressive, really standing out, and showing that the band are taking a further step forward with their new material.

The whole show tonight was more than enjoyable, offering an easy, yet excellent listening experience for the audience. Both of these bands have huge potential, and are definitely on the way to bigger and better things.

article by: Anthony Hetherington

published: 03/12/2009 13:24



FUTURE GIGS


sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.