Back on it in 2012 – and what a way to start!

2012 was starting in a much similar way to 2011. Like last year, my first gig was an assignment for a national mag photographing a band I’d never heard of at The Brud, and didn’t know what to expect. This time, however, I was pleasantly surprised.

With Christmas and the New Year not long since passed, I’d not really had much chance to research Cymbals Eat Guitars. I knew they were American, I knew what the singer looked like(ish), I’d even listened to a couple of tracks on YouTube, but I wouldn’t say I was any way familiar with them. They were drumming up quite a bit of hype, so the signs were good.

There were two support acts on the bill – firstly Wakefield outfit The Spills, who were are an outstanding introduction to the year, followed by American new-gaze band Milagres, who were equally impressive in their own right.

The headline act hit the stage and I was suitably impressed. Not really what I’d expected, but in a good way. Really edgy, powerful riffs and cutting vocals, lo-fi melodies, truly excellent. Hints of Pavement, The Pixies, Sonic Youth all in there. Really, really good. Hopefully going to see a lot of bands again this year, but I’m not sure how many will top this lot. Fantastic start to 2012.