GiggingNI.com
Cutaways
With Double Handsome Dragons;
It is common knowledge that Belfast gigs can sometimes be a bit of a mixed bag in terms of quality, but when a band like Double Handsome Dragons hit the stage with the ferocity and kind of wide eyed passion usually reserved for a band with nothing to lose, it is clear that you have stumbled into a room where something very special is going down. Double Handsome Dragons took to the stage and did the only thing that they know, which is to shout loudly directly in the audiences faces. This in many ways could be considered bad form, but tonight they get their point across perfectly. Sounding like a mix of Reuben, Refused, and local gods-of-the-hour And So I Watch You From Afar, their style of half-instrumental rock was more akin to getting repeatedly punched in the ribs, but in the best way possible. The guitarist, with his eyes wide and rock stance intact, managed to furiously attack his guitar while not missing a beat, which must be hard considered the bands reliance on backing tracks. There was a sense of revelation in the crowd at this point. The time where you realise that this is not only another random gig that bands are obliged to take part in, if only in order to spread their name (see, this band are from England), but it's clear for all to see that Double Handsome Dragons are on par, if not well over, of any band that Northern Ireland has to offer. This in itself it worrying, but tonight the only thought entering my head was one of constant surprise. While the vocals are sporadic and not quite sing-able, they are completely of a random nature, coming at the most unexpected times. In this sense they remind of Sikth, but are in no way as self indulgent. All in all, by the time this band had finished their set, it was obvious by both the look on peoples faces, and the ringing in my ears, that this band have something that many bands should hope to achieve in their lifetime, which is a focus on passion, unrelenting attitude, and tight playing that ensure that Double Handsome Dragons will be back. Take note, or miss out.
Belfast has a secret weapon in the form of The Cutaways. Poppy in nature, they are a mixture of awkward song timings and a pure sense of bittersweet contentment. Tonight, the stage is covered in cut-outs of birds, creating a nice sense of a band that know their roots, while still grasping a dry sense of humour to rival the music they create. While the standout track tonight is clearly 'Lovers are Lunatics', which can lay claim to having the best introduction around in the local scene today. While the song soon ends, it is followed by numbers that are equally impressive. From 'I Spilled Your Drink...' with its solely vocal intro, to the beautifully named 'Milo of Kroton', which mixes pop sensibilities with an equally infectious ending, the Cutaways have a collection of tunes that ensure every other band should be very jealous indeed. Perhaps the bands allure comes in the form of keyboardist Grace McMackin, whose playing and vocals elevate the band above the normal three piece bands around in Belfast these days. Im reluctant to say this, but the Cutaways mix a sense of style, grace, and pop gems that complement the bands appearance perfectly. I'm not usually one to draw comparisons to fashion, but the band have everything to tick the boxes that meet the Topshop Generation's needs. Moving on from that though and it's obvious that The Cutaways have much more to give. I'm excited to see what they produce in the coming years, and although there is no way to tell what direction they will move in, it's clear from tonight's performance that any new output will be a welcome one.
