Band of Skulls at Rough Trade East

Band of Skulls unfortunately could not offer a memorable live performance or a proper gig at Rough Trade East on Monday, as they played just six songs from their latest work Himalayan and from their first record Baby Darling Doll Face Honey. It was short but intense, like their music: muscular and dusty rock, pop and blues, with some features in the shade of The White Stripes and The Kills.

Band of Skulls are strong and know how to play the stage: Asleep at the Wheel is powerful hard rock blues à la The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, while Himalayan has more pop features. Hoochie Coochie sounds like Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and Nightmares is a radio-friendly track. Lights of the Morning and Death by Diamonds and Pearls sound like two b-sides from The Raconteurs and Kings of Leon. It wasn’t the best gig at Rough Trade East to be honest, and it probably wasn’t the best gig for the band themselves: the music was good, but it lacked passion.

With their black leather jackets, their long hair and their hard faces, the band played for less than 30 minutes, offering a formal show, perhaps a little bit too “clean” and perfect. From these kind of bands we expect more onstage: more rock, more blues, more attitude, more arrogance and more effrontery. If you want to be a rocker, do it properly!

Lorenzo Cibrario
Photo: Lorenzo Cibrario

For further information and future events visit Band of Skulls’ website here.

Watch the video for Nightmares here: