On August Bank Holiday Monday Melbourne punks CLAMM played at Glasgow’s basement venue The Flying Duck. They released their excellent second album CARE earlier this month, and to be perfectly frank this reviewer was buzzing to be seeing CLAMM live.
Patience is a virtue, however and first onstage was local band Velvet. What immediately struck with this 5-piece was just how relaxed they were, and with an impressive array of options including 4 guitars, a drummer, 2 singers and keyboards. Stating that it was difficult to pinpoint a genre is a compliment. There was post-punk, there was rock, there was indie and even a couple of gentler moments (which granted didn’t last too long!). The lead singer was charismatic but authentic. Quite happy with a stage craft that included strolling into the audience and even sitting on the floor, he was confident in his performance.
The rest of the band were equally engaging, they were obviously having a blast. And the music included previous single ‘Spine‘, a 7 minute gem which showed just how versatile and confident this band are.
The trio CLAMM are currently on a UK tour promoting their second album CARE. They started their set with the opening track from the album ‘Scheme‘. What a glorious noise CLAMM make with their echoey vocals and hardcore vibes. But this is not your average aggressive hardcore racket. CLAMM manage to combine a frenetic pace with thought-provoking lyrics. Their raucous sound is led by lead singer Jack Summers. The venue may not have been sold out but there was still a mosh-pit going pretty quickly, and everyone in the room was bouncing to this music. They played one song, ‘Keystone‘, from debut album Beseech Me, but the rest of the set was packed with tracks from CARE. Highlights included ‘Done It Myself’ and ‘Something New’. The importance of self care in the middle of these troubled times is shouted from the rooftops. CLAMM also decry the politicians in ‘Incompetence‘, sadly confirming that these universal themes are equally relevant for these shores.
And way too quickly it was over. Jack is joined in CLAMM by Maisie Everett (bass/vocals) and Miles Harding (drums) and together they produce music that is exhilarating, urgent and has a thrashing energy. The perfect way to end a Bank Holiday weekend.
CLAMM continue on their UK tour. For more details please check out their facebook.
Their second album CARE is out now on Meat Machine.
For more information on Glasgow band Velvet please check out their facebook.
