Tripwires at Hoxton Square

Tonight’s triple headline event of noise mavens begins with Lola Colt. Starting with a casually played guitar line that saunters along for a minute or two, the band appears innocent at first, before launching suddenly into a purposeful, thrilling and muscular riff.

The six-piece only improve from then on and there is a justifiably large crowd to witness it. They finish their set exactly as they started, with tracks of dark, sexy and brooding sounds from their trio of guitars, far more impressive than any opening act ought to be.

Next on the bill are Towns, an energetic four-piece whose youthful exuberance initially jars with the measured control of Lola Colt displayed. But they also have an impressive ability to whip up a hurricane of distortion-soaked guitars and, coupled with an ear for catchy bass lines, are an equally raucous live act.

When Tripwires eventually take to the stage, it’s for a crowd disappointingly shades thinner than at the start of the evening. But those that remain are treated to another fantastic slab of gloriously loud, guitar-lead clamour.

On the final night of their jaunt around England, Tripwires commence with a classic ambient swell that eventually builds to a roar courtesy of some large, FX-crammed pedal boards. Their subsequent song Emerald starts with some nifty phased guitar chords and double time drumming that helps display their rockier edge.

Despite their set being a relatively brief one, Tripwires still throw in a cheeky instrumental interlude – such is their obvious love for basking in swathes of My Bloody Valentine-esque noise – and, fortunately, it sounds great.

Undoubtedly the standout moment of the set (possibly of the entire evening) comes in the shape of the ethereal Catherine, I feel Sick, a rather brilliant, spaced-out song. It features a haunting and memorable vocal refrain that would not have been out of place on Radiohead’s OK Computer and glides so coolly over reverb-soaked guitar lines that it all ends before you notice how entranced you are.

They may have only hinted at what’s to come on their debut album Spacehopper, due to be released 17^th June, but Tripwires are surely one to watch.

Verdict: ★★★★★ 

Tom Yates

Photos: Ondrej Kubicek

 For further information about Tripwires and future shows visit here.

Watch the video for Catherine, I Feel Sick here: