South Coast Entertainment Late Of The Pier Review

Late Of The Pier are a band on the up. Having released their first album Fantasy Black Channel to critical acclaim last year, they have amassed a large following through festival slots, single releases, music videos being played consistently on the music channels and of course, hard UK touring. Which is why this gig was sold out in no time at all. The grandure of the band already out sizing the medium size venues it seems. The influx of the bouncy and dancy MGMT and Vampire Weekend from across the pond and Foals from our shores will no doubt have helped Late Of The Pier's rise, but in their sound and showmanship they are able to stand toe to toe with these bands and at times leap above them.

Support this evening comes from Connan Mockasin and Micachu, both managing to build up the fun loving sound to the audience. Connon's bizarre lyrics and superbly free sound turns enough heads to warrent his slot and in turn will have produced many new fans. Micachu already have a decent selection of fans so many in the crowd are able to sing and dance along in unison. The set itself is plagued by sound problems and a short pause halts the flow to the music, but it doesnt stop the band warming up the crowd with their clever and precisely played songs.

Late Of The Pier open with Space In The Woods, the catchy bouncing sound moving the crowd into a frenzy straight away. Moving through tracks from Fantasy Black Channel including Heartbeat, Whitesnake and The Enemy Are The Future the talent on show is clear to see. How a band so young can produce such fantastic psychadelic indie pop dance at times in such a short space of time is staggering. What was more impressive was the new song that sounded almost David Bowie esque. It's been some time since an act has had a sound that is impressive and funky and it's good to have it back.

The crowd do love a good dance though don't they? So it's not at all surprising when the electro genius of Focker comes on the crowd find new levels of energy. Much spillage of beer and water later the band finish the set with Bathroom Gurgle. The lead singer mounting the sound system at the side of the stage to appear more clearly to the audience. Painfully then for the upbeat audience the lights come up and its time to leave.

This tour in the smaller venues of the country is perfect to showcase Late Of The Pier's talents and will leave attendees wanting more and more. People unable to get a ticket this time around might be comforted that larger venues beckon and it might be a little easier to get hold of one...........Maybe.