Freebutt, 11th December
As with fashion, films and art, music fads are cyclical. We’re just coming to the end of our second wave of the eighties, so as is to be expected, now begins the reawakening of the ‘90s. Stuffed into a sold out Freebutt, Vivian Girls, currently with more buzz about them than a beehive, began the revival.
Taking the stage just before were The Lyrebirds, who despite suffering an unhealthy dose of technical problems, played out a competent set which, amid the energetic noise of the headliners, was perhaps a little out of place. With their dark, atmospheric sound they are bound to garner many Editors comparisons, yet pull off dark and brooding so much better. Although noticeably a little uncomfortable (most likely a result of the technical problems), their songs held up, songs which deserve to be be, and no doubt soon will be played in bigger and better venues.
Contrasting to The Lyrebirds and their large sound, Vivian Girls were made for the small, sweaty club show. Raised on playing basement shows across the pond in Brooklyn, they play the kind of music that is written quickly, and played quicker. Running through much of their recently released self-titled debut album (as well as a sublime Beach Boys cover), they sound as recorded: noisy, fast and fun. With all three singing and hitting perfect harmonies, they are the would-be result of a steamy night of passion between The Shangri Las and Nirvana, while on stage they are impossibly charismatic, consistently funny and clearly at ease, even showing off their newly-learned British accents.
With their fame likely to grow through their already large word of mouth/blogosphere following, it comes into question whether this rising status will detract from the DIY energy of their live shows. All I can suggest is that you catch them now. Right now.
Words by Dave Drummond
Photography by Mike Turnham
www.myspace.com/viviangirlsnyc
www.myspace.com/lyrebirdsmusic
