Since the untimely demise of The Cockpit, Brudenell Social Club has long been cited as the very heart and soul of the Leeds music scene. That may be, but the legendary venue is no stranger to playing host to bands with origins (and sounds) a little further afield, in this case the ‘the flaming embers of 60’s garage rock and the flaming hot fire of the 2010’s garage punk sound’ of Chicago based Twin Peaks.

The watchword of the night was most definitely “throwback”. The show opened with a quick but incredibly endearing appearance from a Newport band whose bassist’s son happened to be friends with the headliners, consisting of a broken pick-up that was valiantly fielded and a rather left-field original about military drone operators’ questionable status as soldiers. Big followed, cementing themselves across a charming 45-minute set as Scotland’s answer to Morrissey with a set of deliciously jangly and 80’s inspired whimsy, including leading single ‘Call My Name’.

Happyness followed, lending a softness to proceedings with a whispery vocal that exuded vulnerability and simple hooks that proved impossible to sink into. Coming straight off the back of release of September’s Tunnel Vision On Your Part, the trio of self-described purveyors of “dreamy indie pop” delivered a floating, ethereal set that was as effortless as it was technically stunning.

Then it was time for Twin Peaks. Expertly mixing tracks from newest offering Down in Heaven and older fare, the four-piece managed to bring a little sunshine to combat the steadfastly British weather, be that through the suitably laid back optimism of “Telephone” or the minimal but undeniably groovy ‘Walk To The One That You Love’.

Though perhaps not the most energetic gig, the guys glided through a show that borrowed from so many eras that it became something entirely timeless and all their own. In short, it was a quintessential indie gig, and a damn good one at that.

Rhiannon Skye-Boden

(Image: Spin)