Currently promoting their brilliant ‘Whale EP’, an apt title given the sheer size and power of their live show tonight, this blues/grunge three-piece take to the stage and defy the limits of their stripped back line up.

Whilst melting into the general throng of Buckle Up gig-goers to watch tonight’s support acts, the eclectic and sometimes misunderstood genius of Arcane Roots followed by the cool rock sound of brother fronted band Fear No Fish (note to self: must find out if there is a story behind such a good band name) Los come across as friendly, unassuming music fans.

The band move to their instruments and after a quick glance over amp settings etc, are good to go. The set that follows should have come with a disclaimer: WARNING Seriously good music inside, excessive depth and sounds of a sexual nature.
From the very first fuzzy blues note that Chris Hamilton (guitar) plays, Dan Hale is there completely tuned in with his drums whilst systematically beating them to death (along with the overhead mike). The two of them displaying a chemistry and passion in their playing that is often posed but very rarely actually achieved. Through this, almost like smoke,the first few notes are uttered from singer Helen Sargent as she tears into their first song with a voice that puts the current list of fashionable singers in the charts to shame. Veering from punchy pop songs to blues laments the band truly are inspiring.

Such a tight bond is felt from the audience when they play together that watching would almost feels voyeuristic if Helen didn’t occasionally break the fourth wall to chat with the crowd. All in all, a very special band and a brilliant night. I heard the band and yes, I bought the T-shirt and I wouldn’t miss their next gig at the Hobgoblin for love nor money.

SAM PICKETT