Leo Drezden and Hot Cops
Smalltown America Studios, Londonderry
Friday 27th March 2015
Tonight Smalltown America’s recording studio is host for both Leo Drezden’s and Hot Cops' Derry debut. A more unusual location for an evening of music, you can't help but feel you are heading to an exclusive party. In a dimly lit intimate room, the ceiling is adorned with upside down umbrellas, and music lovers trickle in well ahead of the start time - the keen mood apparent.
Hot Cops quietly take to the stage and instantly the conversations stop and all eyes turn to them. The Carryduff / Belfast trio kick off with ‘Kenzie’s Farmhouse’. Fast paced with slick drums and moody vocals, it sets the tone for what's to come. Softly spoken lead singer Carl Eccles welcomes us appreciatively, before launching into ‘Fallout’ from their latest EP #1Babes. His tone becoming deep, expressing the poetically dark lyrics with raw edgy bass. ‘Art of the Act’ laced with cymbal clashing beats teases us with a gratifying instrumental, transitioning seamlessly into a change of tempo with unexpected lounge-music style arrangement and back into vocals. If that wasn’t a reward in itself, we are given an exclusive performance of unreleased new track ‘Passive Passive’. Powerful drums and steady riffs complement the potent vocals, with a melodic instrumental bridge and charges of high energy. Containing lyrics “You call me crazy but I'm stupid” you are taken through an auditory expression of pure angst.
‘Decay’ delivers a change of pace with gentle riffs and soft bridges alongside captivating drums, resulting in enthusiastic applause and cheers. ‘Six’ with a slow gentle build ends the impeccable set. Carl projects his intensity and passion through his voice, the whole band collectively transmuting energy perfectly in their delivery of grunge punk rock fusion.
After a dynamic start, Wicklow’s instrumental quartet Leo Drezden began delicately to build up to a surge of sound and pace - grasping you immediately with ‘Approach’ – the first track from their new album Multi-Moment. ‘Black Palace’ next takes you blindfolded on journey of twists and turns with fast paced keys, furious upbeat drums and jazzy riffs - switching to heavier rock sounds, delivering a sensory explosion. A contrast of sound with the beautifully light, sophisticated start of ‘Quest’ guides you to a carefree state with ethereal melody and jangling chords before charged rocky drums kick in.
In every performance something different yet distinctive to their style is unveiled. The room falls away with song of the night ‘Omen Satellite Capricorn’. Deep riffs and hypnotic beats plunge deep into your core, with soaring synths heightening emotions. Each band member tuned in, basking in the vibrations of the music they are creating. Finally grounding us with the deeper sounds of song ‘Green Fire Magic’ Leo Drezden end magically. Requests for an encore are granted with a blinding performance of ‘We Found Her Lying There’ earning a well-deserved standing ovation. With a set of intense, instrumental storytelling delivered with passionately crafted arrangements, the music they convey needs no lyrics.
Stacy Fitzpatrick
