Liverpool Sound City Review

CASHIER NO 9
Kowalski-Cutaways-Axis Of
Metropolitan

The Met on Thursday night played host to a quartet of acts hailing from Northern Ireland, showcasing a varied line-up full of energy, ideas and on occasion sheer musical mayhem. The latter, a descriptor used with Belfast alternative hardcore act AXIS OF firmly in mind. A three-piece evidently not in the business of taking themselves too seriously, it was hard not to get caught up in the chaotic zeal poured into this set. Chaos it may have been but it wasn't without purpose as the band demonstrated a curious blend of thoughtful lyrics, in offerings such as Swine Flu Versus Bird Flu and expressions of guttural wailing in new single Port Na Spaniagh. Next on the billing were the synth-laden CUTAWAYS. In comparison only to what had come before, the Met now seemed to have an air of the delicate world of pop about it. The confrontational and the abrasive replaced with the sweet, engrossing melodies of an altogether more indie outfit. However, in the same way as Jagjaguwar band Black Mountain, this is a group departing a little from the heavier sounds that have perhaps inspired them in order to foray into more radio-friendly territory. Whilst this is an interesting niche and the band have charm aplenty, the lighter moments seem a little plastic and contrived and on occasion they can seem flimsy. Following Cutaways were Bangor-based outfit KOWALSKI. Purveyors of pop rock in the more electro tradition, there are no identity issues here. The band do however, possess creative dynamism in spades. Bringing to mind Logic Will Break Your Heart- era Stills by way of layered guitars in Take Care, Take Flight, whilst departing for the pulsing bass and pounding drums of a Broken Social Scene album track in Get Back. Add this to the obvious asset of Louis Price's vocals and this could well be a band you'll hear more of. Finally, it was the turn of CASHIER NO. 9 to find a place in the conscience of the crowd. Perhaps not as instantly consumable in either appearance or sound as some of their compatriots sharing the bill, you soon got the impression that they were more about the nuance and the subtleties. Take 42 West Avenue as a case in point, country-infused and extremely pretty, it sounds a lot like The Bluetones and has almost soundtrack-like, passive nature about it. This was a common theme. Indeed, such was the detail of the songcraft, you only noticed a song's affect once it was gone. Listen if you get chance.
Pete Robinson