Institute of Contemporary Arts

Twisted Wheel / Operahouse / Lowline

Date: 17 April 2008

Twisted Wheel. Photo: Gabriel Green

Anna Wood

A satisfying clash of cultures happened last week at the ICA theatre and bar, a place where punks have outraged politicians, artists have rubbed shoulders with anarchists and terribly posh people sip tea next to students who have no money at all and have blagged their way in by carrying a box of records or an easel under one arm (this is true).

This time, record company types, who are (arguably) vital to the music industry but who go to gigs and stand completely still because they’re busy thinking of something clever to say about the music, came face-to-face with a bussed-in crowd of Northern men who have little or no interest in the early work of Sunn O)))/Brian Eno/Jackie-O Motherfucker, but are keen on going down the front and jumping about in a homoerotic, football-terrace, rave-is-not-dead style. They were wearing rolled-up trousers, singing along, chanting Whee-eel!, spilling beer and looking (as these blokes have down the centuries) like they really should just have sex with each other and get it over with (and that’s not just me projecting again).

Twisted Wheel are a very talented and very rowdy band from Oldham who, after a bona fide bidding war, have just signed to Columbia. They haven’t hit big yet (hence the PRs and A&Rs) but they have a huge, loyal groundswell of support (hence the lairy fans). Last time I saw them was at the Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes, where it was all fan and no industry and where bemused bouncers stood between the tiny stage and the shirtless, overjoyed punters, hoping to keep the whole thing from descending (or ascending) into complete chaos. Tonight was more polished (better sound, nice lighting) but the songs were still powerful chunks of unreconstructed our-kid rock’n’roll: thundering drums (Adam Clarke), don’t-give-a-monkey’s bass (Rick Lees) and lyrics that provide both stories and singalongs from ace frontman Jonny Brown. Best tracks: She’s a Weapon (new single! Buy it , go on!) and You Stole the Sun (the encore and the highlight of the night).

Gabriel Green  

First up tonight was the hotly tipped four piece, Lowline , who have been making a lot of waves over the last few months with their excellent single ‘Monitors'. Coming onto stage they got straight down to business and set about bringing their intense sound to the crowd. Powerful guitar led rock and roll that draws on My Bloody Valentine, Jesus and Mary Chain and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club as inspiration was underpinned by driving basslines and hard hitting drums which created a fearsome noise. This was music you want to drive all night to.

Lowline had a classic stage presence and seemed totally at ease as they worked their way through the thirty minute set never letting the energy drop and always gripping the audience. Songs such as ‘Here I Lie' and ‘Can't Swim' showcased the melancholy tinged yet hopeful lyrics of lead singer Robbie Rush within the energetic music while others were straight up no frills rock anthems with big choruses that could fill stadiums. Hailing from Manchester Lowline have a long and rich musical heritage behind them and they undoubtably carry on the tradition of great original bands to emerge from the city. Keep an eye out for them at the festivals this summer and pick up ‘Monitors' here .

Following the Manchester four piece was a London four piece by the name of Operahouse. Offering a heavy slice of indie mixed with a dash of pop, rock and disco these guys certainly know how to get a crowd going and the front row were soon merrily dancing away.  Operahouse have a real joy and fragility in their music, both uplifting and vunerable. Johnny Lloyd ( an expert vole catcher according to one group of  fans! ) on lead vocals sang with an understated defiance that worked perfectly with the piercing chords, sweet drum breaks and chop guitar.

Moving through the set they created an atmosphere and sound that called to mind blinking neon lights and lost nights. A few stand out tracks included the forthcoming single ‘Diane', which should be on a million and one playlists this summer, the raucous ‘Born a Boy' and frantic ‘Man Next Door'. All this and the bonus of a free download card on the way out. Operahouse are touring extensively over the next two months so be sure to check their myspace to find out when they are coming to town.

Operahouse. Photo: Gabriel Green

Lowline. Photo: Gabriel Green