Tapes 'n Tapes @ Barfly

So we've come all this way (to sunny scummy Camden!!) to see Tapes 'n Tapes - North American buzz band du jour.


But first we get to lean against the bar, drink gin and have a chat. Oh yeah, and watch the support ...

Sister Flo should have been scando poptastic. From Finland? Organ used extensively? Hand claps? – Yep! Yes! and Lots! But did we hear any actual tunes? Nope, none at all I’m afraid. They look good on paper, hurt on my ears.

Next up are the The Delorentos. I’ve seen their sort before, flaunting their angular (sorry) guitar pop at the best toilet themed venues in London. They’re all 2nd hand rock 'n roll attitude, with some sharp jerky guitar action thrown in. These Irish chancers can just sling their catchy hooks back to Dublin. - Hang on a minute, is that MY foot that’s a tappin? Pants.

So far so Eurovision, but finally its the Tapes 'n Tapes - and they absolutely STORM it! Breaking guitar strings on opening track 'Just Drums' and shutting the yabbering gobs of all those annoying gig liggers stood chatting at the back of room.

The yelping, rocking Americana of the Tapes isn't following any dull British indie format, – they've a Harry Potter looky-likey drummer, who brings a light jazzy rat-a-tat-tat touch to many of the songs and in Josh Grier they've got a charismatic, unpretentious (GINGER! GINGER! GINGER!) singer/guitarist. The set does dip a bit in the middle, we’re unfamiliar with the material and some of the more random tunes do drag a bit, but the Tapes breeze through on charm alone.

Apparently they sound like Pavement, I was never very into the Pavement, unless you count me hugging it at the end of a drunken Friday night. But I suspect I'm liking the Tapes 'n Tapes for the same reasons I like other American indie - (The Shins, Modest Mouse, Bright Eyes or CYHSY) - and it’s not the dodgy vocals!

More please.