Live Review

The View – Brixton Jamm

• 28th Feb 2013

With the inescapably careerist posh-boy rock of bands like The Vaccines and Mumford & Sons seemingly ubiquitous in 2013, it’s refreshing to indulge in a spot of chaotic lad-rock once in a while.
With their scratchy guitar lines and football terrace chorus’s The View are a band of the people. Indeed in terms of attitude they have always had more in common with an Oasis than a Coldplay. Whilst there’s plenty to be admired in the latter’s elegantly constructed harmonies and note-perfect piano lines, there’s nothing quite like unpretentious balls-to-the-wall working class anthems. Especially in a live setting. Never has this been more apparent than at Brixton Jamm on Thursday night. The Dundee four piece absolutely rattled through their set, ‘Wasted little DJ’s’ and ‘Superstar Tradesman’ sound as fresh and exciting as when we first heard them on their 2007 debut ‘Hats Off To The Buskers’ whist ‘Sunday’ and’ Shock Horror’ showcase an underrated lyrical ability. Not dissimilar to Alex Turners unaffected regional delivery, lines like “Should I practice what I preach man? Should I just do what I’m told? High court jury. Would you scream guilty? I’d never claim somebody used me, I used to be so filthy.” Sound somehow all the more compelling through Kyle Falconers thick, Dundonian drawl.
Although when watching The View’s set it is remarkable what a superb run of singles they have released through the years it is worth noting that album tracks hold up just as well. The quirky rhythms of ‘Underneath The Lights’ is certainly one of the evenings highlights.
The sublimely catchy ‘How Long’ taken from their latest album ‘Cheeky For A Reason’ shows that Falconer and co show no signs of slowing down but it is ‘Same Jeans’ that undoubtedly steals the show, heavier and faster than the recorded version it receives the biggest ovation of the night. One gets the feeling that The View faithful will take it’s Libertines-on-amphetamine outro crescendo over a banjo solo any day.
The View head out on an American tour next, before returning to play Glasgow and T In The Park in the summer.

Venue: Brixton Jamm
Support Band: Carly Connor