Clock Opera at Heaven

It is very difficult to describe Clock Opera’s unique sound; perhaps one way would be stating that their music resembles a cross between early Bloc Party, mixed with Aphex Twin and kitchen implements that results in the creation of architectural soundscapes. Clock Opera is a band that bleeds synthetic rock that pulses with vibrancy and acute rhythm.

Performing songs from their debut album Ways to Forget, the group’s sounds are mechanically constructed, and their perfectionism clearly shows on stage. Throughout their set, they performed with ease and admiration; they constantly switched instruments like a musical swap shop.

In one instance, singer-songwriter Guy Connelly will be hammering away at a keyboard, only to be found the next minute twiddling with guitar strings and hitting metal cups with a drumstick. In addition to his busy work on stage, he sings with tenderness, pulling at the heartstrings of the fans.

Yet for all their rigid and sonic melodies there is the slight problem of over-indulgence; some songs feel as if they go on for longer than they ought to, which sometimes results in a repetitive cycle of keyboard and drum loops.

Solos are given more time then they require, which is a shame as this burdens the impact of what otherwise may have been a powerful conclusion to a well-crafted crescendo of jangling sounds.

Overall, the performance from Clock Opera shines with reverence and certainly stands shoulders above most of the acts that have recently emerged in the London music scene.

Verdict: •••

Conor Nyhan

Listen to latest single The Lost Buoys here: