Off the back of their second album Big Box of Chocolates, this up and coming four piece brought their evolving collection of indie rock to the Bodega. A decent sized crowd turned out for this midweek set, showing the growing presence of a band on the rise.
“‘Jasper’ helped to re-engage the audience”
It became evident from the first song, ‘Growing Concerns’, that the mounting assortment of songs created by Hooton Tennis Club were definitely made for the stage. A brash, loud rock sound, which is more evident live than in their records, suits the stage setting perfectly and helped create a very enjoyable set. A quick pace was created by a band who clearly wanted to show the audience all they had to offer in a set limited to only an hour. Little time was spent talking. They ploughed through numerous songs off the latest album, including memorable lead single ‘Katy-Anne Bellis’.
However, there did appear to be a slight lull midway during the set. There appeared a danger of the band falling into a one dimensional rhythm, with a flurry of high tempo rock songs from the new album following one after another. A return to one of their old favourites in ‘Jasper’ changed this and helped to re-engage any possibly lost members of the audience.
This resurgence carried right through to the end with a finale in the shape of contagiously fun ‘P.O.W.E.R.F.U.L. P.I.E.R.R.E.’, which provided a memorable finish. This was followed by a rather refreshing ending as the band just left the stage; no forced, awkward encore for the crowd.
“The quartet appear to have a rare connection”
One of the most striking parts of Hooton Tennis Club’s live performance is, for a relatively new and small band, how tight and well-rehearsed their songs are. The quartet appear to have a rare connection, which creates an enjoyable performance to experience. This, combined with the enormous amount of energy put into the set by the whole band produced a truly entertaining gig.
Overall, the band were thoroughly impressive and fun to watch. With their infectious jangle-pop sound, all signs bode well for their future. I am sure that the majority of the crowd will have been excited to have witnessed a band with as much promise as Hooton Tennis Club so early on their rising journey towards success.
Jack Smiddy
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Image courtesy of Hooton Tennis Club via Facebook
