Review: Harlem @ Hoxton B&K, Aug 23rd.
Posted by: nick
The world needs more bands like Harlem. On Monday the Austin garage-punk 3-piece proved yet again that America is leading the way when it comes to exciting new bands, especially it would seem when it comes to playing live which the yanks seem to relish far more than us spotlight shy Brits. Monday night shows are always tame though right? Not exactly.
Harlem seemed a tad more sober than at The Lexington back in June but were no less energetic and a fair bit tighter for it. On this occasion Harlem turned their set list on its head with O’Mara, who seemingly takes lead vocals a lot more often on latest album Hippies, starting on vocals/guitar, Coomers on drums/backing vocals and linchpin Jose Boyer on bass. O’Mara straight away demands “more dancing” from an often static Hoxton crowd. No such problem tonight though as surf punk assaults like “Faces” and “Friendly Ghost” quickly incite a mosh pit at the front.
One of the great things about Harlem is the different styles of both frontmen in terms of vocals, songwriting and drumming. O’Mara is the more skilled drummer, Coomers is perhaps the more natural frontman but neither falls short at either role and the variety is hugely entertaining.
It’s Coomers turn then as he leads us through some of Harlem’s darker, more gravel throated numbers from the bands debut ‘Free Drugs’ including old favourites ‘Witchgreens’ and ‘South Of France’. ‘Someday Soon’ and ‘Cloud Pleaser’ from ‘Hippies’ increase the bounce factor while ‘Gay Human Bones’ and ‘Psychedelic Tits’ can’t and don’t fail to raise a smile.
If there’s a better night out than a Harlem gig we’ve yet to find it.
