Oval Space

Thursday 26 February

DEERHOOF are the only band that sound like Deerhoof. Their early records were essentially rehearsals recorded on rubble. But in that rubble Deerhoof had planted a seed. And that seed took: when before the steady chug of post-Velvets indie had been the rule, Deerhoof's neck-snapping syncopations, classical melody, minimal gear and maximal music has slowly become part of the vocabulary: St Vincent, Flaming Lips, Tune-Yards and Dirty Projectors are just a few of the bands to have absorbed some Deerhoof DNA. Satomi, Ed, John and Greg have never become rich and famous but they've triumphed in their own way - this year, Deerhoof celebrates its 20th anniversary, having made a dozen consistently acclaimed albums and taken hundreds, maybe thousands, of joyous and loyal audiences all over the planet on the never-the-same-twice thrill-ride of their live show. Pitchfork have labelled Deerhoof as "the best band in the world”, whilst The New York Times described them as “one of the most original rock bands to have come along in the last decade.” Last November Upset The Rhythm completed a life ambition when they released Deerhoof’s new album ‘La Ilsa Bonita’, now the band return to play UTR for the first time since December 2003, which was our first ever show! Deerhoof’s ecstatic and unruly take on pop music has constantly evolved, meaning that they always sound like the future and that’s never been more true than now they’ve chalked up a double decade.

deerhoof.net

TRASH KIT have a wild feel for melody, writing songs that pull at the reins with a spontaneous charm. Having formed the band in 2009, Rachel Aggs, Rachel Horwood and Ros Murray have since become the glowing core of London’s DIY underground. Their music is primal yet thoughtful, affirming yet sincere, drawing on the potential of post-punk and the naturalism of an internal folk music. Although Trash Kit have their forebears in bands like X-Ray Spex, The Ex and The Raincoats, their sound is very much their own take on facing forwards. Galloping polyrhythms, overlapping sung-spoke lyrics and entwining guitars are all drawn together into a taut unity, sounding willfully alive. As a follow up to their exuberant debut album, ‘Confidence’ sticks with the “play it all live” pluck we’ve come to expect from Trash Kit. There’s a minimal bent, a lyrical directness, an unadorned ethic that all evokes the sense that the song is being written at the same time as it’s performed. It all adds to the heady, sensation of free-falling through the album. A feeling that the horizon has become broader. ‘Confidence’ was released by Upset The Rhythm last December.


trashkitrules.blogspot.co.uk

COWTOWN formed back in 2005, and whilst they may have changed line-up and musical aesthetic, their love of making and playing music has never diminished. Over the years their sound has morphed into a mix of post-punk and new wave; with an added electronic twist. Whilst the Leeds trio may have progressed from playing house parties and squats, you can tell from their music that this is where their hearts truly lie. ’Dudes Vs Bad Dudes’ is the band’s third album and marks somewhat of a landmark in their evolution. They get their kicks from creating the music they love and travelling around the UK playing all manner of venues. ‘Dudes vs Bad Dudes’ is an impressive journey through a plethora or music styles, demanding your attention and making you long for more. Not only have the band produced a record of the highest quality, they have managed to create one which is pure unadulterated fun to listen to.

cowtown.bandcamp.com

This event is 18+, ID required.