100 Club, London
04.06.08
Given that my teenage years have long since disappeared from my chronological rear-view mirror, it’s probably no great surprise that some of my favourite records are infused with a sense of youthful energy and vitality. Two years ago, Nebraskan folk/pop quintet Tilly And The Wall‘s ‘Bottoms of Barrels‘ album awoke my inner child from his slumber, and this year, Those Dancing Days‘ forthcoming debut album could well have the same effect. The Swedish quintet are indeed a youthful bunch – all five of the girls have only just finished school – and they’ve managed to attract a decent-sized crowd for a wet Wednesday evening.
Support duties go to John and Jehn; she mostly conjures up droning organ sounds, whilst he jerks around the stage like a man possessed, unleashing short, sharp bursts of guitar. They prove to be eerily compelling if you give them a chance; but the constant chatter from the crowd is a clear indication that most folks here tonight just wanna dance.
And who can blame them? Heaven knows the British weather isn’t doing much for our spirits, so Those Dancing Days’ perky hybrid of indie-pop, girl group and Northern Soul influences is a welcome distraction. Clearly delighted that so many fans have shown up tonight, keyboard player Lina bounces around happily behind her instrument, whilst guitarist Rebecka can’t stop grinning as she exchanges knowing glances with her bandmates.
Songs like ‘Discho‘ and previous single ‘Hitten‘ (which translates from Swedish as ‘The Hit‘) are proof enough that this lot are really onto something; with the beautifully melancholic, disaffected tones of vocalist Linnea married to chiming guitars and a sublime organ that swirls and loops itself seductively through your ears. But it is their eponymous set-closer that impresses the most; a relentlessly giddy burst of synth-drenched sunshine that could get a dead donkey on its feet and bopping away to drummer Cissi’s impressive tub-thumping skills.
Their aforementioned debut album is due for release this autumn; you’d be well advised to keep an ear out for it. In the meantime, check out the songs on their Myspace; then get yourself an ice lolly and go play on the swings.
Alex Gosman