Archie Bronson Outfit - ICA, London, 11/10/2006

  by Jon Rogers

published: 22 / 10 / 2006

intro

On the second night of a two night stand, Jon Rogers watches garage rock trio the Archie Bronson Outfit and Domono-label signing play a fast and furious, and absolutely stunning set at the London ICA

The trio that make up the Archie Bronson Outfit look like the Coen Brothers' casting rejects for the Soggy Bottom Boys. Fortunately they sound nothing like the ‘band’ that appears on 'O Brother, Where Art Thou ?' The Archie Bronson Outfit’s second outing of a two night stand at London’s artsy venue in the Mall manages to set the frantic pace from the opening 'Cuckoo' and never really lets up throughout. The trio (plus the occasional appearance of “fourth” member Duke Garwood) power through a crowd-pleasing set that neatly sums up their swamp-fuelled take on indie rock revivalism. The twin guitar stance of Sam Windett and Dorian Hobday provide a seemingly effortless run through recent favourites like 'Dead Funny' and 'Dart for My Sweetheart', even if for most of the time the overall effect is lost in the muddy mix. As a sign of the band’s growing confidence the new single 'Cherry Lips' is thrown out as only their second song without any fanfare. It is a storming set with the trio pulling no punches throughout with songs like 'Kangaroo Heart' and 'Rituals' being taken at full tilt. After a whirlwind set the band return for an encore of 'Modern Lovers' followed by a rousing cover of Parson Sound’s 'It’s Only Love'. It might be deliberately nit-picking but the Archie Bronson Outfit could do with introducing a bit more light and shade into their set; drawing from a more comprehensive palate. It’s all fast and furious (and there’s nothing wrong with that per se) where a bit more contrast might go a long way in raising their game to the next level. Small quibbles aside, the Archie Bronson Outfit play something of a blinder.

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