Bands: Torche, Slow Crush, Cattle
Venue: Brudenell Social Club, Leeds, UK
Date: 11 / 12 / 2019
Cattle
“Eh Cattle are pretty run of the mill I guess”
– No one, ever
Cattle certainly are a unique band that are just as difficult to describe. Basing their sound around two drummers, a bass, vocals, and a synth/hardware set up, Cattle undeniably push the limits of contemporary music boundaries. Forgoing traditional melodic tropes, and exploring unconventional song structures, it may just be easier to describe what Cattle aren’t. Cattle aren’t derivative, they’re not repetitive, they’re not uninteresting or disinterested, and they’re just about as far from radio pop as possible. Fucking explosive to watch live.
Slow Crush
Almost an antithesis to the abrasive sounds of Cattle were the second band for the night; Slow Crush. A swirling and ambient set amidst a haze of smoke, this shoegaze band branched out and entwined other similar noise-based genres with a dash of post-rock. Delicate vocals manage to cut through the atmosphere Slow Crush were determined to establish and re-establish with each song, reminding punters of the grandiosity of their music.
Torche
Finally Torche took to the stage, slinging their signature big slow riffing stoner sound. With Cattle broadening horizons and Slow Crush inducing transcendent swaying, Torche geared up many fans in the crowd into full blown headbanging as each tune was met with delight. It was easy to see how this band have garnered their headliner status with the combination of their hook-driven songwriting and charismatic stage presence. Whilst the crowd may have been a little subdued on a Wednesday night, most would have left with only a heightened appreciation for Torche.
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