The View at The Electric Ballroom

 

Scotland’s indie darlings take the stage at the Electric Ballroom in a night that feels like indie paradise. Less than two weeks before, the same could be said of the small Camden venue – only then, the crowd had gathered for the unlikely show of The View’s godfather Peter Doherty with The Libertines. Both bands still share a love for guitars and melody, but making further analogies is difficult. To begin with, The View do show up, but play to a comparatively empty venue. 

In spite of the surplus of air, Shock Horror and Grace are effective openers that arise an energy most bands don’t provoke anymore. A shirtless drummer from the very beginning of the show is but one example of the tone and temperature of the room. Much like their new record, their live show reflects their (and their fans’) love for erstwhile romantic pretensions about rock and roll. Moreover, it proves that to profess a love for guitar strokes nowadays is essentially a nostalgic act.

Their new material, especially Marriage and Under the Rug, is received with equal devotion from the audience. Produced by Albert Hammond Jr, and no more than two weeks old, Ropewalk finally waves goodbye to powerpop sounds, leaving room to prove how much they’ve grown as songwriters. But blessed as they are by indie royalty from both sides of the Atlantic, they have something that doesn’t speak to younger generations anymore. And it is the same thing they unapologetically keep giving to their fans: a feisty and sentimental rock show. Same Jeans and Superstar Tradesman crown the night with moshing exemplifying this very spirit, and is cherished by the audience as value for their money.

But outside the mosh pit, the perspective is quite different. “The View, The View, The View are on fire,” chant the loyal fans of the Dundonian quartet. And yet this band is not burning out in the style of The Libertines circa 2004, more than it is beginning to fade away. The empty room invites the listener to think that an indie band, to catch fire again, needs either major drama or a major label contract. Regardless, to see The View live is to witness some of the last sparks of a once vivacious music scene. Still unmissable.

Alejandra Arrieta
Photos: Robert Brazier

For further information about The View and future events visit here.

 

Watch the video for Under the Rug here: