We Have Band
Fabric, London
Friday, 23rd January 2009
With most bands that suddenly appear and are hyped within an inch of their lives for a fortnight, they don't actually turn out to be all that special. However, with We Have Band – ok, that is absolutely true. This is rehashed and restyled but the same old stuff; far from awful yet further from awesome, if you didn't come to see them tonight you wouldn't remember you did.
In their defence, playing to a crowd that isn't really there to watch live music is quite an obstacle for any group. This is Fabric, it has speakers in every dancefloor, substances in every pocket and favour for beats over bands. Still, We Have Band are more inclined to succeed here than most, with their rickety, disco-laden electro feel, and they do hold the attention.
The buzz about the band of former EMI workers is enough to attract a sizeable gathering to the clammy, crammed room that holds the gig. The trio manages to make them move with a blend of rolling bass and bleeping keys, but Dede's backing vocals get more than a smidge overawed.
Nevertheless, it sounds suitably messy and gladly doesn't place a 2007 glowstick gloss on the rougher elements of the mixture. Hear It In The Cans carries real momentum, kick-starting the set and revealing hints of charisma to come in singing/drumming/synthesizing Darren Dancroft.
Then breakthrough track Oh is aired. With grating, monosyllabic repetitiveness, it could work in the sticky confines of a gig, but not the wider surroundings of a superclub. A cover of The Pet Shop Boys' West End Boys is cheesy enough to be cool and brings renewed vigour to a momentarily sapped crowd, but their rhythm cannot be recaptured.
There is potential, especially if the momentary sizzling moments can be stretched and the monotonous minutes minimised. While it is far too early to write them off, it is certainly not worth seeing them out of their comfort zone yet. The problem is there are dozens of breaking bands with synths, singles and stylish singers, so why should these stand out? The generic nature of their name doesn't seem so wry after watching DJs set the same room ablaze with flailing arms and happy faces. We have band have work to do.
Fabric, London
Friday, 23rd January 2009
With most bands that suddenly appear and are hyped within an inch of their lives for a fortnight, they don't actually turn out to be all that special. However, with We Have Band – ok, that is absolutely true. This is rehashed and restyled but the same old stuff; far from awful yet further from awesome, if you didn't come to see them tonight you wouldn't remember you did.
In their defence, playing to a crowd that isn't really there to watch live music is quite an obstacle for any group. This is Fabric, it has speakers in every dancefloor, substances in every pocket and favour for beats over bands. Still, We Have Band are more inclined to succeed here than most, with their rickety, disco-laden electro feel, and they do hold the attention.
The buzz about the band of former EMI workers is enough to attract a sizeable gathering to the clammy, crammed room that holds the gig. The trio manages to make them move with a blend of rolling bass and bleeping keys, but Dede's backing vocals get more than a smidge overawed.
Nevertheless, it sounds suitably messy and gladly doesn't place a 2007 glowstick gloss on the rougher elements of the mixture. Hear It In The Cans carries real momentum, kick-starting the set and revealing hints of charisma to come in singing/drumming/synthesizing Darren Dancroft.
Then breakthrough track Oh is aired. With grating, monosyllabic repetitiveness, it could work in the sticky confines of a gig, but not the wider surroundings of a superclub. A cover of The Pet Shop Boys' West End Boys is cheesy enough to be cool and brings renewed vigour to a momentarily sapped crowd, but their rhythm cannot be recaptured.There is potential, especially if the momentary sizzling moments can be stretched and the monotonous minutes minimised. While it is far too early to write them off, it is certainly not worth seeing them out of their comfort zone yet. The problem is there are dozens of breaking bands with synths, singles and stylish singers, so why should these stand out? The generic nature of their name doesn't seem so wry after watching DJs set the same room ablaze with flailing arms and happy faces. We have band have work to do.
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