If you talk to anyone who had a mild interest
In the music scene around 2006, then the term
“nu rave” would mean something to
them, and then they would most likely to go on
to name the klaxons as one of these new rave artists.
But any further than that and the average Joe
with the ever evolving music taste would struggle.
New young pony club were one of these nu rave
artist that the NME had enjoyed splashing on their
covers only later to tell us that nu rave was
dead. It is at this point when the average blogs
goes “ oh yeah those guys, didn’t
they have a song about ice cream?”. Well
the answer to that is yes, and they are still
around, but the public are not to blame to only
remember them for the one “ice cream song”,
this said song had no less than two re-releases.
Well tonight we are here at the new polished O2
academy venue to find out, if the Curse that was
set upon by the NME of “nu rave” has
adhered to the band or not.
The first band on the night were Is tropical,
now this name instantly conjures up images of
men in Haiiwain shirts playing some slow beat
funky steel drumesque songs. But that is not what
was case, instead three young hipsters wearing
Arabian scarf couture which sadly once became
high street fashion lost all meaning or relevance
(The band by the way went to play their entire
gig with them on) obviously some kind of gimmick
they are trying to gain attention for, but it
raises more of a question of “what are they
trying to hide, are they grotesquely hideous behind
their chosen masks?
The band opened with an instrumental a number,
which pretty much showcased what their sound would
be about for the rest of the night. The tune galloped
along with the bass player leading the rhythmic
style, while his masked bandits friend alternated
between playing his guitar and a synthesiser,
this i found lead to an indie sound coupled with
pop sensibility from the 80s, with occasionally
spouts of 90s indie guitarist heroics, by this
I mean looking down and play the guitar at the
high end with epic lead lines.
The band continued to play numbers in the same
category as this, with the band swapping instruments
for each song, with the exception of the drummer.
The singers voice had a fragility to it, which
made the music more appealing, a contrast to the
poptonic synth noises. The band can entertain,
but for limited time, a change of tempo would
be good, since one number to the next had the
feeling of bleeding into one another. Also a limitation
of what sound could be produced was evident since
the juggling between synth and guitar lead to
a finite arrangement of sounds. Maybe an extra
member would be appropriate it may even give more
of a dynamic element to the song arrangements,
when played live. But the band are young and have
plenty of time to grow, but they need to find.
where is there place in this ever growing list
synth rock indie music playing outfits.
The headliners were even less impressive than
the support, the band appeared on stage and played
to semi curious audience, they could all play
their instruments that was evident, but the performance
seemed to lack soul or engery. This was even evident
to the signer who at one stage, tried to playfully
coax the audience to life, by saying I quote “god
you guys are so quiet, its like playing to a Japanese
audience”. I my self have never been to
an gig in Japan, but if the audience that was
present in Birmingham that night are a guide,
then I shall steer clear of shows in Japan. As
the night waned on with NYPC brand of “post
punk”/new wave, it was apparent that their
latest catalogue of numbers was taking a more
firm direction. The singers exhibited a more melodious
style compared to their back catalogue, which
i think suited the bands needs, I can sense that
the band are planting their feet in a set direction.
But the audience wasn’t enraptured by this,
since the singer had to have more bouts of comedic
teasing with the audience, she went to state “do
any of you have the new album? Oh I can see this
side have, but you guys you don’t”.
as funny as the statement was received, their
was a evident truth about the fact, since the
guys who didn’t know about the new album,
only wished to hear one song, and at this point
I shouldn’t have to tell you what is it
was, but I will anyway, “play that ice cream
song”. Which later on the band obligingly
played, with much coagulation from the audience.
Other highlights from the evening were “stone”
and “chaos”. The band are all accomplished
at playing their part in the group, but if you
are looking for the raw energy and soul in a live
band, well they lack this.
Is Tropical 3/5
New Young Pony Club 3/5
Review By Ashik
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