The Themals and Sketches: Live at the Free Butt in Brighton
Words by Lizzie Simner
Switch your pint of Stella for a red plastic cup and watch out for the jocks - The Thermals shouty punk transports us to an all American house party, like the soundtrack to an American Pie film. The thumping punk rhythms and ‘waa-oh, waa-oh’ sing along choruses are a teenage boys first favourite band, so be prepared to shave years off your life and enter the wave of enthusiasm for lo-fi post punk pop. Some tracks stick in the head, but they all sound too similar to each other. The most captivating thing about the band is bassist Kathy’s mesmerising hair which flies in the air as she head bangs to every beat.
Support act Sketches are much more interesting. The band use harmonies and experiment using guitars where normally a keyboard would be, the high notes ringing out separately. Epic and wide ranging, the pulsing urgent rhythms and sensitive vocals wring emotion from every note.
The atmospheric B-side to their single ‘Slow Start’, ‘Fevered Foals’ showcases the pure tonal quality of the lead singers vocals. Hauntingly he sings ‘we are all animals/we’ve been defeated.’ The bands musical range and ability is vast and blends indie references from foals to postal service to create an ambitious and highly skilled soundscape. Lead singer Luke jumps around behind his guitar with hood up and eyes closed, his trajectory across the stage marking a palpable energy. We may all be animals, but music like this makes you proud to be human.
Posted Mon, June 29, 2009