MTV TWO's Blog

Late of the Pier w/ Micachu and Connan Mockasin <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />....

07-02-09 ....

The Leadmill, <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />..Sheffield.. ....

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It was one hell of a cold night and the slippery slope of a queue did nothing to enhance the experience. Upon entering The Leadmill – Sheffield’s large, not-so-grotty indie venue - I endured two somewhat dull and uninspired sets from supports Connan Mockasin and Micachu, both lacking the warmth and energy needed to melt the icicles hanging from our noses.  Could Castle Donington lads Late of the Pier turn the evening around? ....

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‘Space and the Woods’ whipped up the crowd like a freshly made 99 with its etching electro synths and hammering guitar grinds, while ‘Broken’ brought it down a notch with Samuel Dust’s quivering vocals and some food-for-thought about mind processes.  Firm favourite ‘Focker’ was simply indescribable – just pure zombie crazy. ....

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Interspersed interludes of shorter tracks ‘Random Firl’ and ‘VW’ – both taken from the band’s debut, Fantasy Black Channel - complemented LOTP’s organised mess of a show, breaking up the heavyweights that could cause serious injury if not deployed carefully.  ....

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This four-piece showcase more spirit than any other group I’ve seen. They are wholly and heartedly in this venue, with this crowd, in their music. It’s intense, electric and oh so satisfying.  The wooden-plank-banging and screeching scats on ‘The Bears Are Coming’ drove the crowd in a new direction, fuelling beer-throwing and fisticuffs and dragging Dust into the crowd for a spot of light - or not so light - surfing. ....

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There was nothing late about these boys: they came, they saw, they ripped the stage and audience to shreds.

ADAM MALLABY