The Beat Surrender

Support band for the night was Matt and Kim a boy/girl duo from Brooklyn, New York. Not really sure what to make of them, they certainly seem to enjoy themselves if only based on the manic grins and the constant giggling from the pair.

Musically the drums are a bit in the style of White Stripes, loud bang-bang effect not surprising as the drum sticks were really the biggest I’ve seen for a long time, good job she didn’t throw them out to the audience it could have been fatal . However having stood at the side of Kim while she watched the opening of the Mystery Jets she is so tiny even I towered over her and I am just 5’ 2”.

The whole set seemed to be based around a running commentary from Matt heavily on the side of innuendo, but while on the face of it shouldn’t be funny it was possibly because he seemed to find himself so funny. Musically a mix and match of pop/rock/punk with incredibly basic keyboards. I have to say I didn’t really go for the sound but the overall feel of the set was enjoyable, it’s hard not to like them. Not sure what they will sound like on a record as it seems to me they are really a visual band. I had jotted myself a reminder note which said “”punk/Emo/Insane but weirdly catchy”, make of that what you will!

Looking around the venue people watching (my favourite pastime), you can usually get a feel for what the band will be like from the average age, dress style etc. Tonight was a mix of male/female, generally means there wont be a mosh pit and I’m not likely to get covered in beer. Dress wise the guys in low slung jeans, cut offs and jeans/t-shirts. however the girls ranged from Kate Nash look a likes, pretty dresses and headbands to slashed combats and pink hair (very punk). Wasn’t really sure what to expect from The Mystery Jets as when I’d mentioned the gig to a couple of friends they both said “Oh are they still around” I expected them to be much older than the teen looking foursome who bounced onto the stage to air raid Sirens and flashing lights.

A strong start with Hearts In Love With Elizabeth being one of the openers. The band initially reminded me a bit of Elliot Minor without all the poncing about. Change in vocal sound for Friends a track from the bands second album, very good guitars, slower but no less a strong track. I have to say that the drumming is excellent, among the best I’ve heard for a long time.

Another older track which stood out was Star Shape, sounded like an old fashioned radio half tuned into the station, unusual and interesting. The Boy Who Ran Away stood out for the overuse of sound effects, great fast chorus line with vocals which verged on barber shop, so unusual and different but in a really good way. A newer track Young Love was well received, lots of screaming girls. The vocals are so mature for such a young band. This was released as a single in March and reached the lofty heights of No 34.

Next single is to be Two Doors Down, due for release on 2nd June, it initially had a real sound of the 60’s. For me this was one of the best of the night, it’s got all the right ingredients for a hit, perfect for the radio and a sound of the summer. Keeping the crowd jumping bouncing and screaming seems to come easy to this lot and the last track Behind The Bunkhouse is a great example, it’s normal for the crowd to go from manic at the front to almost motionless at the back. However even at the very back folk were nodding heads and toe tapping to this one. It has the great line “she bashed me over the head with a rolling pin” hilarious.

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