13 April 2016 (gig)
28 April 2016
Back for a third consecutive sold out show on the south coast; Teleman’s triumphant return followed the release of the band’s second LP a few days earlier.
Nestling somewhere between motorik Indie and intelligent pop, the UK four piece has developed into one of the country’s most tight live groups.
Developing out of the ashes of noughties indie favourites Pete and the Pirates, this new, cleaner cut incarnation has ditched the jangly guitars for a richer, more developed sound which manages to combine the synthetic elements of Kraftwerk together with the melodic grandeur of Belle and Sebastian, whilst at the same time retaining a pop sensibility throughout.
Playing to a packed crowd, the band surprisingly began with slightly unknown Speedy Wunderground single Strange Combinations with Jonny Sanders’ ever expanding set-up of keyboards and pedals emitting a driving synth line that gave the audience’s hips some blood flow from the outset.
The set then continued at a fast pace with highlights including first album single 23 floors up, a track that begins with Pete Cattermoul’s intense McCartney-esque bass line and develops into an epic Hunky Dory-era anthem that the band has managed to transfer brilliantly into a live setting.
Thomas Sanders’ stream of consciousness lyrics in particular are far more intelligent and thought provoking compared to the vast majority of bands making up the current indie landscape.
Although the omission of first album favourite Mainline from the set list may have come as a surprise to some, it is a testament to the vast array of tracks the band already possess that doing so was barely noticeable. Particularly when you consider the krautrock trident the band closed the set with.
Steam Train Girl, the aptly named Düsseldorf and epic closer Not in control each demonstrate the musical ability of the band, with Hiro Amamiya’s unique nonchalant drumming style giving the perfect framework for the rest of the group to exhibit their sonic sensibilities.
Teleman have slowly become one of the nation’s most progressive bands, who already hold a vast array and carefully crafted intelligent pop songs.
Words: Paul Hill
Twitter: @paulhill3
