Made Violent at The Islington

Stage-diving is usually only recommended if there is a sea of people ready to absorb the jump. Joe White, Made Violent’s lead singer and bassist, has more a cupful or two of willing hands to work with in cushioning a carefully-orchestrated dive at the end of his band’s spirited show in The Islington. Over from Buffalo, New York as part of tour supporting Wolf Alice and Drenge, the threesome might not be as well known here as the other two groups, but all the conspicuous American accents about make it feel like they’ve brought enough support along to be playing a home gig.

Strutting opener Two Tone Hair is a catchy indie number that sets off a never-ending vigour of bouncing heads and flailing hair that leaves White breathless in between songs. “Hello, London Town”, he says in a gentle tone that matches his baby face but runs wholly counter to the shrill of his singing. A claustrophobic stage does nothing to dissuade him from the rock-and-roll cliché of falling to the floor while still playing and it’s all lapped up by a mosh-pitting crowd.

On My Own and Wasted Days, like the rest of their songs, are about as cheery and melodic as fuzzy guitars and drums should be. The band never quite knows who it is though, never seeming to shake off its influences into something new. They start like the Strokes, visiting Weezer before going on to Nirvana and then back again to Weezer. The level of noise isn’t normally something to be conscious of at a raucous show like this, either, but the overall sound tonight is deafening to the point of detracting from being able to fully appreciate what they have to offer. Even so, people here are happy just being caught up in the moment.

 

Steven White
Photo: Markus Akre

For further information about Made Violent and future events visit here.

Watch the video for Wasted Days here: