So day one of a three night all female stand this week with TORRES tonight, followed by Sarah Shook and the Disarmers on Tuesday and closing with Americana double bill Allison Russell supported by Lady Nade on Wednesday.
First up tonight are tummyache who delivered a fine opening set that shifted effortlessly between the styles of Big Thief and Pixies. When they rocked they really rocked and when they got a bit introspective we listened intently.
I have been criticised in the past about using comparisons when describing an artist but I can’t help feeling that there are distinct parallels between TORRES and Phoebe Bridgers. Both young artists writing deeply personal songs with an indie rock backdrop. However the difference is one is selling out four nights at Brixton Academy and the other is performing to a three quarters full Bush Hall. And there is the real mystery of the music industry where two equally talented artists can have such diverse trajectories. I guess them’s the breaks, the luck of the draw and all that.
Onto the show and on a muggy night Mackenzie Ruth Scott aka TORRES appears to be the most appropriately dressed person here tonight in shorts and sports bra. Given the energy of the show it proves an even more astute choice. It’s a belated rearranged show in support of the excellent ‘Thirstier’ album from last year and of course the album dominates the set. There’s plenty of room for some oldies too with the band switching styles through the night from full on rock out, power pop to mellower material with a nice understated pedal steel guitar too.
It’s an emotional night as Scott explains the story behind the song ‘Big Leap’ about her father’s fall from 30 feet leaving him paralysed and it’s interesting that artists can find a cathartic outlet for their personal pain through their songs. Of course there is a place for throwaway bubble-gum pop but it won’t move you like this.
Encore tonight is a joyous explosion of noise with ‘Helen in the Woods’ seeing the band leaving near the end for Scott to thrash it out in a release of energy and a cacophony of sound.
A great start to the week.
Keep on rockin’ y’all.