We Were Promised Jetpacks, London Barfly

We Were Promised Jetpacks

August 21st 2009

Having heard significant amounts of hype around this band of late, this particular Muso felt it was about time to head out and check this band out live to see just what they have to offer.

And glad we were to have made that decision…

It’s a busy Friday night in Camden Barfly, anticipation is in the air as first band That Fucking Tank are late arriving, they are due on stage now but still no sign of their arrival. Well, they say the best things are worth waiting for, so that we do and no sooner have we settled into a sofa with a pint of cider that the band arrive and promptly take to the stage. The verdict? We aren’t inspired. This kind of progressive instrumental offering feels like it needs the vocals, like they have simply been erased. The tunes do not say enough to pull it off as instrumentals and there is an abundance of similar monotonic tunes that just don’t float our boat.

We Were Promised Jetpacks take to the stage and immediately make an impact. ‘Quiet Little Voices’ is a highlight with its fast-paced rhythms and intense shout-out lyrics. The song does exactly the opposite to its indicative title, an in-aptly named track that captures the venue here tonight and gets the crowd moving.

Jetpacks are original. They are individual and arguably bring to the table a unique Scottish sound, just like Biffy Clyro did all those years ago. But the similarity of these two Scottish bands ends there. Biffy brought metal and Jetpacks bring alternative indie rock. There is, however, something a little endearing about a Scottish vocal (albeit ‘Same Jeans’ wearers The View). Their sound is rugged and real, perfection is a long way away; but this is the essence of their sound.

Single release ‘Roll Up Your Sleeves’ is likeable but not their best track thus far. There is less interest here and is that a slight hint of a Brandon Flowers style vocal chorus? Had the Killers sang this we would not be surprised. Perhaps not a bad thing; after all, how many million albums have The Killers sold so far?

‘Ships With Holes Will Sink’ is an all out rocking number that combines simplistic verses with deeper choruses that let it all out. There is a steady rhythm that draws us in with catchy riffs to shake your head to. Tonight, We Were Promised Jetpacks have perfectly captured their audience with an atmosphere that engulfs and drowns its spectators. Doubtless it is that anyone in here tonight will return for their next show.

Currently on tour in the US with Frightened Rabbit and The Twilight Sad we will inarguably be seeing much more of We Were Promised Jetpacks in the future, and quite honestly it will be a treat.

No related posts.