Despite heavy reverb obscuring much of George Mitchell’s between-song
speech, body language and delivery indicate the vocalist is not in the
best of moods. It seems the culprit is a snarl-up on the M6, and as Eagulls kick
off their set 25 minutes later than scheduled, the traffic-induced
irritation is writ large. But, from a punter’s perspective, the
aggravation brings its own silver lining, with Mitchell’s extra-surly
demeanour amplifying the palpable tension at the core of the Leeds
quintet’s noisy post-punk squall, underscoring its raw impact.
Parquet Courts, by comparison, exhibit a more
playful disposition, introducing themselves from behind cardboard
emoticon masks. “WOOOooooOOOh! We are a Parquet Courts cover band! Happy
Halloween!” the four-piece joke, their faux-ghostly wails subsequently
echoed in the copious feedback that judders forth at regular intervals.
A hesitant start aside, the set proves as scrappy and charmingly
effective as their lo-fi costumes, barrelling along with rough-edged
élan and shout-along lyrical smarts. The lickity split energy of tracks
like Borrowed Time receives a suitably enthusiastic reaction, while
coupling the deadbeat drawl of N Dakota with its Light up Gold
partner Stoned and Starving makes for a dynamic finale. Forget the
aforementioned masks: this Halloween, Parquet Courts came dressed as one
of the most exciting live acts around, and found the guise a perfect
fit.
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