Penguins Kill Polar Bears & Servantnoise @ King Tuts 27/06
6.27.2010 | Gig Reviews
There is something quite primal about going to gigs on humid nights. I have seen Penguins Kill Polar Bears acoustically and after my recent EP review wanted to reserve full judgement for a full live set. I am a new to Servantnoise, I know the individuals, but I don’t think I was quite prepared for what was to come.
Servantnoise were startling, I have a terrible habit of stereotyping, from which I should have weaned off of by now during my time with Podcart however, and I think we all have this fault to a certain degree. With your common line up of 2 guitarists, 2 vocals, 1 bassist and 2 drummers…..hang on a minute, 2 drummers? Ok so this isn’t a common line up and yes it was something extremely uplifting. ‘Limbs’ was one of the highlights with its oscillated passages of seduction; it combines grinding rock with unexpected touches of folk flourishes. As the crescendo hits you are served a Michelin star dish of charging declaration that leaves you both bemused and satisfied.
Servantnoise are in the early stages of live performance, but their potential is only the first etching on their canvas. When you feel comfortable they will gnash at your ears like hungry beasts and you will want to take your place in front of their stage hoping to be drenched in sweat, bullied by sonancy and comforted by musical caress.
Penguins Kill Polar Bears I am still unaltered by. They have a notable stage performance and the instrumental sections of their songs are undeniably mighty, however, there is something about the vocal that I cannot adapt to. ‘309’ is still the stand out track for me and I rally all other tracks round this because it is something special. Live I just think there could be more of a dynamic between the vocalists as the songs tend to sound somewhat similar.
I have to give special mention to Penguin’s drummer who is something of a fiend. His precision and timing is something exciting and he is a joy to watch. He is the glue that binds and the stand out of the band on the evening for me.
Halina Rifai
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