Using backing tracks for backing vocals only adds to the unease, the disembodied nature of these even more at odds with their friendly between song chat, deriding hipsters and successfully begging for a place to stay as a reward for their performance.

Providing a bit of local interest on the line-up are Eatenbybears who have caused a few waves, and seem to have burst into the local scene from nowhere. Dramatic interest is provided by an agitated violin (and violinist), not normally a standard component of this style of music. Actually that’s hard to say for certain as the 4 members often appear to be playing 4 different songs until some sort of consensus is reached and they then move off in the same direction. 

Drawing heavily from their recent ‘Teeth’ release, ‘Duchenne Smile’ is frenetic, confusing and bow-shredding, while a diversion into nursery-rhyme calypso shows the playfulness that means that, for all the aggression, it’s always quite nice, being Battles or Richter Collective (ASIWYFA, Adebisi Shank and Jogging in particular) style quirkiness rather than unsettling – these bears are relatively cuddly.

Shapes must be wondering what they have to do, having played to 3 people in Belfast a few months ago. There are more here, but it’s still not likely to worry health and safety and the bar staff don’t have to break sweat. These self-proclaimed “angry boys” bring back the aggression and attitude of our openers, allying math-rock intricacy with balls-out attack that would please fans of the likes of Mojo Fury, Pulled Apart By Horses or The Icarus Line. 

‘Syncopy’ is jokingly labelled “a slow-jam”, instead being more of the assault that preceded it, but for all the snarl and bare-teeth displayed, the atmosphere is still very relaxed as they invite us to share a few drinks with them later on. They don’t seem to have been put off by their last visit, and hopefully will return again. Hopefully if they do they’ll find more support from local music fans, and a more sympathetic booking.

William Johnston