THE LIKE AT OLD BLUE LAST, SHOREDITCH « New music, features, reviews, news and free mp3s

FEATURES

ALBUMS

LIVE

“It’s way too early to tell where this is going. I have so many stems of Becoming Real, so I don’t know how it’s going to evolve.”

ALBUM REVIEWS

Minus The Bear

OMNI

(Dangerbird)

Seattle’s Minus The Bear have always been one of those bands whose fans absolutely adore them, but who’ve never grown into an act that sells many records.

Tony Da Gatorra vs Gruff Rhys

The Terror of Cosmic Loneliness

(Turnstile)

READ

Melpomeni

8 Tragedies, 2 Love Songs & A Breakdown

(Lighthouse)

READ

LIVE REVIEWS

Midlake

The Leadmill , Sheffield

With a band boasting seven live members you by rights expect to experience something above the norm. Sadly, tonight Midlake offers nothing but the norm.

LIVE REVIEW

The Like

Old Blue Last, Shoreditch

London

05/05/10

Way back when (alright, 2005), The Like were a female three piece from Los Angeles with some laid back grungey rock. Since then they’ve decided a more danceable approach is the key to longevity, recruiting organ player Annie Monroe to produce a more buoyant formula. The first single from their imminent Mark Ronson-produced second album, ‘Release Me’, is pretty representative. ‘He’s Not a Boy’ bounces around a catchy vocal hook and ooohing backing vocals from Monroe and bass player Laena Geronimo (who is sporting an Austin Powers-style frilly cuff number). While they still use their slinky attitude in certain songs, they’re bigger on foot tapping rhythms, seemingly trying a bit harder to please. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but for those of us keener on the take-us-or-leave-us approach it feels like a bit of a missed opportunity. “This is our last London show for now,” lead singer Elizabeth ‘Z’ Berg tells us, but drummer Tennessee Thomas’ sudden song intros prevent further interaction (and, rather amusingly, catch her band mates off guard on several occasions). Sharper hooks, less attitude – but some of the allure may have gone with it.

By Martin Cordiner

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Originally published in issue 17 (vol 3) of Loud And Quiet. May 2010