22 January 2015 (gig)
27 January 2015
Fresh from the southern States, The Weeks are tearing around the UK’s shores in support of the Buttons EP. With them they've brought commanding anthems and a whiskey-soaked southern drawl. On January 22nd they filled The Garage in London and the performance was moody; it was spirited and it bordered on chaotic with the band never losing control.
The Weeks have taken the sound of Southern Rock from their roots and pumped it full of an angst and grunginess that feels unique to the 21st Century. Listening to the many references to home-state Mississippi, it’s warming to hear a band with such a clear identity. Formed when they were just 15 years old and made up of twin brothers Cyle and Cain Barnes, there’s a brilliant dysfunctional family vibe to The Weeks, with bottles of JD being shared around and a riotous energy that could boil over at any minute.
The performance spanned the young band’s 7 year career, reprising the old and introducing the new. One newer track ‘Book of Ruth’ is aplomb with gospel organs, bringing a more soulful sound to the band which is an interesting turn for future releases. ‘Brother in the Night’, the highlight from 2013’s Dear Bo Jackson, was a highlight in the set. The crowd at the front rose with the southern anthem and the formidable bassline proved more immense live than on record, giving the venue’s rafters had cause f b or concern.
As The Weeks play ‘White Ash’ and leave the stage, sweaty and riled, they’re cheered back with “We want more”, returning to play two old hits. ‘Altar Girl’ and ‘Buttons.’ ‘Buttons’, which first appeared on 2008 debut Comeback Cadillac has been re-recorded and re-released on the Buttons EP which celebrates 7 years of The Weeks. Fans are usually put off by re-releases, but considering it was first recorded when The Weeks were teenagers, it’s now laid down by wiser heads and a tighter outfit, making it a great move. Closing the set, ‘Buttons’ itself is a rowdy gem, causing sheer bedlam in the crowd, which by the end includes frontman Cyle Barnes.
There’s no doubt that the Mississippi Longhairs host a brilliant party and they’ll be welcome back in the capital any time.
The Weeks played:
Teary Eyed Woman
Mercury
Stigmata
Brother in the Night
Slave to the South
Start it up
Sevens
Heard it all
House
Book of Ruth
Ain’t my Stop
Bandits
Mississippi Rain
White ash
--
Altar Girl
Buttons
