The Lanes, October 27th 2021
You could tell it was the start of the Halloween season, not because of the costumes but because of the thick dense fog that descended on The Lanes on a busy Wednesday evening. A small note on the venue, always enjoyed The Lanes, it makes me picture a vivid oasis teeming with neon lights and vibrant people in the heart of the city (I hear the pizzas are top class as well).
Tonight’s entertainment was provided by a double header of newcomers Moon TV and local faces Mutant Thoughts, who both fit in a similar sonic group. I had a brief chat with Moon TV who informed me that they are formed partly from the remains of High Climbers (who have beenon the scene since 2016) and new members. For those that haven’t heard Moon TV, I think the combination of Mogwai and Godspeed would best describe them if you created a Venn diagram, atmospheric and experimental guitars and vocals tightly bound together with motorik style bass and drums not too far removed from The Pixies.
The headliner Mutant Thoughts describe themselves as “genre bending” which I think is very apt, not many bands (actually I can’t think of a single one) manage to melt synth pop, math rock, prog, and then singing that was verging on operatic into one tight unit, but Mutant Thoughts managed it. I talked to the band briefly before the gig and were told that it was delayed numerous times due to the pandemic so they are just happy to be out playing again, and very thankful the crowd remembered the gig! Not only was the band highly musically skilled, but it was also visually impressive as well, with vibrant shirts and some of the best dancing this side of Motown. They’ve got a new single out called Summer Storm, give it a spin and catch them in Bristol again soon
