Voodoo, Belfast
Wednesday December 4th
Fresh from touring the states with local favourites and label mates And So I Watch You From Afar, TTNG (formerly This Town Needs Guns) have arrived in Belfast to treat us to their complex blend of lighter melodic math rock. Live music in Belfast on a cold Wednesday can often be a hard sell and tonight initially seems like no exception, as first and only support Victor Villarreal tentatively takes to the stage to a handful of onlookers.
Formerly of the much loved Chicago emo band Cap'n Jazz amongst others, Victor’s solo set is by its very nature a more stripped back affair but far from lacking in impact. The combination of mesmerising guitar and invested sincerity in each song draws us in and gathers the stragglers ever closer. Technical issues and awkward switchovers don’t matter to such an appreciative audience. We all nod along to gloriously jarring time signature switches provided by the multitasking Victor and they act as helpful hints to navigate each intricate twisting track. It’s a stark contrast to what’s in store from TTNG but leaves a powerful impression that many other solo acts fail to generate in similar circumstances.
With the crowd having thankfully swelled in time for TTNG’s entrance, the Oxford power trio jump straight into their latest album’s opener, ‘Cat Fantastic’, instantly hooking us in. With depressing levels of skill that make you shockingly aware of your own lack of talent, it’s as much of a joy to watch as it is to hear. There’s an unquestionable tightness to every interplaying melody and it’s fair to say it’s music for people who enjoy technical flair without the bravado.
Having taken the reins on bass and lead vocals back in late 2011, former Pennines' singer and guitarist Henry Tremain has never looked more at home. He tackles songs new and old with such passion, throwing everything into his performance, fully supported by brothers Chris and Tim Collin’s fantastically difficult drums and guitar that play off each other at every available junction. TTNG have the ability to change things up drastically at any moment whilst still maintaining a flawless cohesion to each track, and although this is a tenant of the genre, they perform with such effortless ease that you can’t help but feel impressed at every turn.
Pre-recorded swirly backing tracks keep things moving between switchovers and an acoustic interlude provides a novel yet wonderful distraction. By the time we reach former single ‘Adventure, Stamina & Anger’ with its smatterings of welcome cowbell and deliciously danceable riffs, everyone has warmed to the bands nice guy charm, taking everything in with a slightly more animated respect. Fan favourite ’26 is Dancier Than 4’ draws the night to its close but not before attacking us with its blistering noodle-y guitar intro and gently defiant choruses statements.
It’s not often you get such a talented, yet-to-be-as-massive-as-they-should-be act making the journey over on the ferry, leaving those of us who made the minimal effort to turn out feel all the luckier for experiencing one of the most impressive live acts around.
Ross Haymes
