Friday 18th February
The indie kids of the early 90s have all grown up, gotten older, gotten fat and gotten balder but that doesn’t stop a lot of them from donning a pair of cargo pants and a tatty old band t-shirt to venture to the Metro to see two reunited bands from the their youth; Swervedriver and Tumbleweed.
The Laurels were a particularly appropriate opening band for this show. They owe a lot to the era from which the two older bands originate. Always a group that wants to be as loud as possible, their sound was particularly striking as it benefitted from the venue’s larger PA. Even standing right up the back of the club, the waves of distortion and pulsating rhythms were powerful.
Fifteen months on from their first reunion show, it’s easy to see why Tumbleweed are still together and talking about staying together (for the time being at least). Judging by the smiles on their faces, the fivesome are obviously having a great time playing together again. Their high energy rock n roll is as tight and as brutal as ever. Particular highlights were ‘Daddy Long Legs’ and ‘Hang Around’. Both tracks showed off the impressive chops the band has. While moving very little onstage, the energy Tumbleweed’s music creates is something a lot of younger groups could take some cues from.
If Tumbleweed are having a ball, then what about Swervedriver?
The band has been back together since 2008, when they played the Coachella festival in California. Now with original drummer Graham Bonnar back in the fold, the set leaned heavily on early material such a ‘Deep Seat’ and ‘Rave Down’.
For the most part, it was a fine set that was warmly received by the audience. However, such is the case with a lot of reunited bands there just didn’t seem to be anything remarkable going on. They weren’t going through the motions; it was more that it just felt a bit safe. Perhaps it was an off night.
While Swervedriver couldn’t seem to get out of third, Tumbleweed were constantly in overdrive.
-Michael Hartt
