I’ve been a fan of AIH since stumbling across their wonderful album, ‘Fingers Crossed,’ last year.
A month or so ago, I imported their new album, ‘In Case We Die,’ and it’s just as lovely and even poppier. I’d be immensely surprised if AIH didn’t cross-over, Go Team! style, into more mainstream circles now. The new album is sunny and fun, reminding me of the first Tom Tom Club album with its smiley grooves and singalong catchiness. It truly is a breath of fresh air in these days of manufactured emo angst and formulaic metal shouting about nowt.
Last night, I got to see AIH live!
They played at The Social in Notts and they were amazing. All the little twiddly bits from the album(s) were there. They did a shiveringly good version of ‘The Owls Go,’ one of the spookiest songs I’ve ever heard. That’s the great thing about AIH – they often sound shiny and shimmery but underneath, there are sometimes little crawly things cackling and clacking their pincers. ‘It’5’ came out like a gospel stompalong, as ridiculously catchy as any tune you’ve ever heard or will hear.
And what about ‘Do The Whirlwind?’ My god – what a slab of funky synthbass-powered pop that is! I never expected this track to sound so good live but it did. They’re talented buggers indeed to make such intricate music look so easy to perform live, effortlessly slipping from instrument to instrument and still HAVING FUN!
Support was from Plans And Apologies who complemented AIH perfectly in that they’re also fun, devilishly handsome and have actual pop songs rather than the ramblings of disgruntled teenage warthogs over some “experimental” backing.
You see, it’s fucking easy being “experimental.” All you have to do is make a noise and do something vaguely shocking, like have a stripper fellate a pig or something. But to actually connect with people emotionally, to write songs like AIH and Plans do that have multiple layers of meaning and mystery is a rare and beautiful thing.
When you find bands like these you must take them to your bosom and suckle them with your money, time and love. Start now, email them both and declare your love.
Click here to see the gig pics!