2:54

<img src="http://www.qromag.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/254apr10.jpg" alt="2:54 : Live" />2:54 are just about to hit a massive wave. ...
2:54 : Live
2:54

2:54 are just about to hit a massive wave.  The Londoners launched their early recordings into cyberspace.  The band just returned from a show-stopping U.S. run, taking in headline shows in both east and west coasts, as well as a sensational stint at Austin’s SXSW.  The four-piece are sisters Colette and Hannah Thurlow on guitars and joined by Alex Robins, Joel Porter on drums and bass guitar.  Their show on Tuesday, April 2nd was held in the hull of a boat moored in the heart of Bristol’s docks.

Lead singer Colette Thurlow was dressed in what appeared to be a white Victorian nightgown, lit up by some sparse lighting, highlighting her pale porcelain face, broken up by her red lips.  In comparison her sister Hannah, at her side, with her ruby red guitar rocks backward and forward, was dressed from head to toe in black and striking out constant guitar rifts.  This entire image blended beautifully with opening track "Cold Front" with it’s dark rhythms, and smoky hazy sound.  It wasn’t long before the audience were dancing away to the sound and hypnotic hooks of the latest single "You’re Early" with its purely infectious groove and instantly recognisable.

Hannah ThurlowThere wasn’t too much chat in between songs and although the band went down very well indeed, there were some silences throughout the set that were only increased by the little banter offered from the crowd.  There appeared to be an overriding will to appreciate the music from a band that everyone is anticipating are set for bigger things.

The group served up a steady barrage of moody dirty rock with elements of shoegaze and buzz post-punk.  The evening had an element where the sisters gave a tight performance, which was impressive given how quickly interest has grown.  However, this growth and development has come from the non stop live performances supporting acts like Warpaint, Wild Beasts, Yuck, The Maccabees, and The Big Pink, to the point now where the Thurlow sisters can headline their own shows and blossom. 

As well as tracks from the pending May release of their self titled début Alex Robinsalbum on Fiction Records (home of The Cure), the middle of the set allows the band to play a couple of tracks from their 2011 EP, "Scarlett" and "Wait/Awake", much to the delight of the audience.

Colette’s voice was at times angry, curling her top lip to emphasise the point and stamping her boots before crouching over her guitar, causing her hair to cover her face.  There were plenty of melodic bits, with the odd guitar solo here and there, allowing the sisters to crash around the small stage with their guitars. 

All too quickly the 45-minute set was complete.  There was no encore, despite the howls for more from the now warmed up audience.  Hopes were dashed though as promptly the house lights came on.

Colette ThurlowSet list

Cold Front
Salute
You’re Early
Easy Undercover
Wait/Awake
Scarlett
Sugar
Sides
Creeping

How compelling a proposition their début album will be remains to be seen on its release date of 28 May, but judging by the catalogue aired tonight, the album surely is destined to be one of the finest albums of 2012.

In the U.S. the band is signed to Fat Possum.  2:54 could be one of the most important British bands to capture the hearts of the people on the other side of the Atlantic.  This demand has resulted in the bands first full headline U.S. tour this June.  They are also expected to be an ever present on the U.K. festival circuit throughout the summer.

Joel Porter6/7 London, U.K. – Scala
6/9 Brooklyn, NY – Knitting Factory
6/10 Washington, D.C. – Rock ‘n’ Roll Hotel
6/11 New York, NY – Mercury Lounge
6/13 Boston, MA – TT The Bears
6/14 Montreal, PQ, Canada – Divan Orange
6/15 Toronto, ON, Canada – NXNE/Lee’s Palace
6/16 Columbus, OH – TBD
6/17 Chicago, IL – Empty Bottle
6/18 Minneapolis, MN – Triple Rock
6/21 Seattle, WA – The Crocodile
6/22 Portland, OR – Doug Fir Lounge
6/23 Vancouver, BC, Canada – Biltmore
6/25 San Francisco, CA – Independent
6/26 Los Angeles, CA – Troubadour
6/27 San Diego, CA – Casbah

Support on all dates will be from New York’s Widowspeak.

Categories
Concert Reviews
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