Live
< Pete And The Pirates @ White Heat
words by Emma Edmondson
pics by
Even though their name suggests otherwise, Pete and The Pirates are actually Pete-less. And the fivesome are a far cry from Captain Bluebeard and his rummed up merry men. In fact the band look more like a bunch of mismatching boarding school lads, straight out of choirboy class. But don’t let that put you off, as it’s nothing a trip to Topshop and a spritz of hairspray can’t fix. But enough of that, we’re here to discuss the music. It’s both weird and wonderful. There’s definitely a hint of Gomez or even Pavement lingering in between the quavers and cleftones, especially in the shape of the mesmerising lead singer. And we’ve been missing that sort of magnetism in this country for a while.
The live set flits from tornado like guitars, layered with yapping vocals, to haunting poetic string pickings and whispered words. They’re dreamy and atmospheric, but with a fun filled testosterone undertone.
Giddy like ramblings and prancing around on stage, these guys are pros of their game. A finely tuned musical entity, with percussion galore.
Big sounds, simple yet savaging chords and sweet as sugar lyrics, these Pirates are one experience that needs to be had. Ooo-ar.
Originally appeared in volume 1, issue 17 of Loud & Quiet magazine
