Psychedelic shoegaze and post-punk haze consumes the Hare and Hounds 

 

New Irish brooding rock wizards and local Psychedelic Post-Punkers Fergy LH played a cold Tuesday night in Kings Heath, judging by the crowd you’d have thought it was a Saturday night at the Institute.    

 

Psychedelic Anarchists

 Fergy LH have been bringing their melting pot of sonic influence to the Birmingham scene for around two years now, spending that time developing a strong fanbase and a sound that is a comprehensive encyclopedia of all things great about a great live rock ‘n’ roll band. They have teamed up with Love Buzz Records, and are awaiting an album release on February 25th of this year. First of all, this is a magnificent guitar band, playing a style that gulps down a magical potion brewed using ingredients from the psychedelic anarchist’s cookbook. Riffs and lead guitar parts are backed by one of the most solid rhythm sections I have seen recently, delivering a relentless post-punk beat. I did go to bed nodding my head though so my neck may be less appreciative. But the fact that each song had a distinct flavour and aura made it undeniable to move around, with some tracks venturing into funky indie dance territory.    

 

 

Guitar Wizardry

The shared duty of vocalist is made up of two distinct individuals who wield guitars, one of which had a phenomenal scream (which I’d love to hear more of live and on their records) and provided the powerful edge of post-punk and even rap on one song. The other is a gentler vocalist, whilst implementing guitar wizardry providing the psychedelia on offer. This concoction reminded me at times of Pink Floyd, Ty Segall, Black Sabbath, Tame Impala and Wire. Overall a massive sound that was distinct and authentic, it’s always a great thing to see. The lad’s interaction between songs was light-hearted and made the crowd feel at ease, rounding off an excellent live Brummie band that you need to see.  

 Abyss of Shoegazing Bliss

 Next up the lads from the city of Cork embraced the stage, dressed in all black and with the cool of Johnny Cash and the magnetism of Kurt Cobain began the set with a distinct tambourine ringing out. After being highly praised in the Irish music scene this was the band’s second outing in Birmingham, and I can say I am sure Brum will be waiting on their return. Their sound slowly pulls you in, with most songs having a slower tempo. The lead vocals are ethereal, mournful and haunting with the dark edge enhanced by the unique sound of the accordion. The accordion was often used in their music to provide a drone, slowly creeping to the back of the mix to the forefront, pulling you in closer each time and letting you drop into an abyss of shoegazing bliss. But don’t worry, fans with heavier taste will be appeased by the guttural grunge guitar tones on some tracks, as there were multiple stink faces dotted around in acknowledgement.   

 

 

Shapeshifters

 I was impressed by the use of classical time signatures, which made me feel like I was on the gothic magical mystery tour on my way to Whitby Bay, but I was okay with that as I have never really been there. Their music has beautiful melodies, and I am sure they have mastered the art of writing a powerful pop chorus from studying all things amazing about 80s and 90s alternative rock. But let us not forget the folk-influence these lads brought, they can shapeshift from being a classic Irish folk band with angelic melodies, to heavy moody grunge in a heartbeat. Their take on psychedelia was a bad acid trip mixed with ice cream and rainbows, a duality that was eerie and joyful.

 If you are a fan of Slowdive, The Telescopes, Placebo, Spiritualized or Spacemen 3 you’ll be sure of a good time.   

 And big up to the crowd that came, it was such a pleasure to see two great young bands play to a packed out room midweek. With it being January, money being tight and the weather being bone-biting, thank you to all those supporting in attendance as it is not always easy for everyone. The year is off with a bang!