The Organ

When The Organ slid on stage at the Louisiana by Bristol’s waterfront, it took a moment for me to adjust to the uncommon aesthetic of 5 female musicians on stage together. But this was clearly not VH1 Divas. No frills, no showboating. Once up there, lead singer Katie Sketch commanded a final volume check on their titular organ through the din of some forgettable background music. Unfortunately, this background music was left playing, drowning out the lead vocals for the opening songs. Before she conquered their massive third tune, ‘Love Love Love’, Sketch suggested a few more audio tweaks then gamely requested “some more Led Zepplin in our mix.” And there endeth The Organ’s stage banter.

Their humility shone through in the no-drama play style which seemed less like an act and more like a concerted effort to play as many songs as they could for the packed (sweaty) house. Once they kicked in, the lead vocals did justice and then surpassed the comparisons to Morrissey and The Cure. The harmonies from Shmoo and Jenny Smyth sold the longing-induced power-lyrics (any song that opens with “As I was saying…” and contains the word “shrapnel” has my heart in a sling). A standard rhythm guitar is replaced by the synth-organ keeping the beat safe for Shelby’s heavy drums and Shmoo’s commanding bass. Debora Cohen’s lead guitar kept the audience moving as she seemed to while away the time effortlessly.

The band’s disengagement from the crowd only increased their appeal. Sketch opened her eyes rarely, looking as if she was writing the next line in between each pitch perfect line. Sometimes she turned completely away from the audience, beer in hand, mic cord draped across her shoulders. But the steady, studied and danceable post-80s tear-jerk sound lay shame to any cockier bands who might attempt to mythologise themselves with banter and unnecessary song title announcements, which usually serve only to alert you which singles to buy at the merch table.

It’s hard to say which instrument leads The Organ, with each song it becomes clear how distinctive and talented all of the musicians are – the bass and guitar fight beautifully for attention on the anthemic ‘Brother’ and also on ‘We’ve Got to Meet’, one of several new songs that they showcased.

I’ll admit that I was surprised by the lack of “L Word fans” in the crowd (myself and Maclay notwithstanding) but that bodes well for the band as it’s clear that they are not living off cult cameos alone. The Organ’s mesmerising sound of synth rock coupled with their impossibly handsome distraction was thoroughly engaging, appealing them to a crowd that looked like a broad selection of curious music junkies keen to hear what all the fuss has been about. Judging from this show there will certainly be much more of that ahead for The Organ.

FUTURE GIGS

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