The irreverence with which LITTLE COMETS approach their career can probably be summed up by the jovial labeling of their (rather huge) record company on myspace as "an anagram of i-bum-cola". Or it could be the silly hats they have a predilection for, or the fact that two days after this gig they are lined up to perform in the bakery aisle of Eldon Square Marks and Spencer in Newcastle. I've been to that aisle and - trust me - it could use some rock n roll right now.
Hot from a supporting slot with The Twang - a band who I have little love for - tonight finds them playing second fiddle to current record industry saviours The Noisettes. Their sound is a pleasing mix of radio friendly indie rock and post-punk without the irritations of their peers (like The Twang) and enough of a surreal touch to keep them one step ahead of the average music fan. The first time I heard them, I thought I was listening to Vampire Weekend fronted by Sting. I care only marginally about Vampire Weekend and even less about Sting but the combination of both is way more interesting then either could be on their own.
Natural born front man Robert Coles - a ringer for Never Mind The Buzzcocks' host Simon Amstell from a certain angle - exudes Geordie charm and good northern bonhomie with his ska-lite phrasing and floppy fringe. He and his fellow Comets initiate their set tonight with new single "Adultery" - their first for i-bum-cola. Choppy enough to rule the dance-floor and poppy enough for the wireless, it has just enough musical depth to give them credence as a serious musical proposition 'with legs'. Whats more, it sounds even better live than on record, the uber-modern production swapped out for a lightening energy that takes hold of the stage, reverberates through the crowd and right back into the band who are clearly lapping up the reception.
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The esteemed Pitchfork criticised "Adultery" for being lyrically underdeveloped, dispossessing enough depth to involve the listener in the story of the song. Obviously they are missing the point of good pop music; it's disposable and essential, all at the same time.
"Josephine" has even more of a vocal jump-around that brings to mind Sting again and it's another tent-peg of their set. Undoubtedly though, the best thing about them tonight is their confidence - they fill the stage at the Shepherd's Bush Empire (which is now the O2 Empire...is there any venue in London NOT sponsored by a beverage, mobile phone or record shop?). They are at once comfortable and expansive, leaping about like the children of Pan; onward and upward to greater things, one hopes.
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