03 October 2006 (gig)
18 October 2006
Looks like an easy night ahead for the band I’ll, in the interest of brevity, refer to as 'Cute’. 'You guys know the fucking words!' gushes frontman Shaant addressing the front half of the audience who are surprisingly knowledgeable despite this being the New York teenagers’ debut UK tour.
Obligatory introductions out of the way, including correcting the pronunciation of his name, Shaant (clarified as 'Shaw-nt’) leads on with plenty of chit-chat and shout-outs to other bands. Completely in tune with the obvious fans the curious creature stalks the stage as though unaware of the witnesses. This unique choreography coupled with his overall presence makes him look and sound like something bred in Jim Henson’s workshop. And not forgetting his long, poker-straight tresses which he tosses about constantly, shaking his head as though there’s water in his ear.
Albeit somewhat endearing, it’s perhaps a little perplexing to the less knowledgeable crowd members as to what this guy stands for. 'I’m going to end up acting like a moron because I’m so giddy!' he exclaims. Maybe that’s it.
After the set’s majority of quirky, 'power-pop’ numbers including forthcoming single 'Curse of Curves’ and gentle album tracks 'Risque’ and 'Teasing To Please (Left Side, Strong Side)’, drummer and bassist take a break allowing guitarist Jeff and Shaant a risky 'spotlight moment’ that starts well but drags on. The sing-a-long rabble push forward but there’s driftwood at the back as the gig takes an unfortunate dive.
It’s a relief the band regroup for final song, and possibly the only one you’ll know, 'There’s A Class For This’, so the uneven show at least ends on a positive. Shaant - having invited everyone to 'go nuts' - falls to the floor amid a stage invasion with mobile phones capturing the brief chaos.
There was certainly an audience for this. As new recruits to the ubiquitous emo scene of indeed cute, young American bands, they gave the kids exactly what they wanted. The rest of us, however, weren’t quite ready and left wanting something else.
