Stringing Lessons

Most local bands take to the stage with all the relish of a hospital visit. It's a bit of an ordeal, an affront to the sensitivities. Perhaps they may mumble their name at some stage, or introduce a song with little verve. If they can't summon up a bit of belief, what are we supposed to do?

This is why I enjoyed my Colly Strings gig last week. They treated the modest space of Auntie Annie's in Belfast like it was Madison Square Garden. It was a stadium show in waiting. At the start of the gig, various members were randomly beating drums across the stage, allowing singer Travis to skulk, centre stage in his hoody. His voice was damaged and the discomfort was apparent, but still he fronted it out.

Some of the members served their time with Seven Story Weather, a shouty guitar band with essence of emo. This time they seem intent on marking out their own individual space, with wiry guitar, martial drums, soaraway vocals and some of that theatre we've already noticed. Their recent single release revealed a bit of intent, but it already sounds like an old story. I'd say that in six months, they will have evolved again.

Their exit is reminiscent of baby U2 during their '40' period, with the band members taking it in turns to leave the stage. It's hardly a radical idea, but it is effective and at this moment, perfectly bold.

Colly Strings: live fast, tie young.