Martha and Radiator Hospital whip up a cross-Atlantic indie-pop storm in Nottingham
To celebrate the release of their split EP, Durham’s Martha and Philadelphia’s Radiator Hospital are flaunting their sweet, sweet indie-pop on a series of dates across the UK. Tonight, it’s the turn of lucky Nottingham, the inhabitants of which pack out the city’s tiny, but highly celebrated, DIY venue, JT Soar.
First up, it’s London punks The Exhausts, who thank the organisers for allowing them to “jump on this gig at the last minute” and jokily quip before every other song that “this is one everyone can relate to”. Tongue-in-cheek or not, themes of failed relationships and awful jobs generally make for relatable songs, and the 100mph punk that accompanies them does them no harm, provoking some serious head-nodding. It’s the Clash-inspired “Films & Adverts” and the inventively-coined “Journey To The Call Centre Of The Earth” that impress the most, the latter’s pop-punk sensibility shining through. An impressive start to the evening.
Sadly, it appears as if Leeds’ slackers Syslak have been forced to pull out, though that only means we are treated to the exquisite Radiator Hospital earlier than planned. In contrast to the opening act, Radiator Hospital engage in next to no crowd interaction, save for a brief enquiry as to the audience’s opinions of Durham. Instead, the four-piece power through half-an-hour of blistering, breakneck indie-pop, whilst occasionally dipping into punk and surf-rock territory.
Radiator Hospital play all three tracks from their split EP with Martha, the highlight of which is the insanely danceable “Will You Find Me?”. In addition, they sample last year’s LP, ‘Torch Songs’, including the majestic “Cut Your Bangs”, surely one of this decade’s finest jangly indie-pop moments. Throughout an impressive set, it is the work of the bassist that captivates this writer. It’s high in the mix and propels every song forward, giving each one variety and depth and adding an extra dimension to a superb band. Thoroughly impressive and enjoyable from a must-check-out band.
Finally, Martha take to the ‘stage’. The North-East four-piece only played in Nottingham a month ago, for the indie-pop all-dayer, but that doesn’t stop a sweaty, sold-out crowd from dancing their hearts out to their punky take on indie-pop. As ever, the thrilling “Present, Tense” incites one of the night’s most appreciative reactions, with many of the audience bobbing up and down, arm-in-arm. In addition, the jangly “Dust, Juice, Bones and Hair” hints at Wedding Present levels of up-tempo intensity, while “Bubble In My Bloodstream” switches effortlessly between Weezer pop-punk and twitchy, early 80s post-punk. There’s also a hint of what the future could hold for Martha, as they play a new song, which, of course, sounds bloody brilliant.
There’s a certain element of Martha’s music that makes it instantly affecting, perhaps it’s the charming, imperfect vocals singing about school, public transport and everyday life, or the crazily catchy pop hooks that flood every song. Whatever it is, Martha’s set is exhilarating, highly addictive and this writer can’t wait for next time. Top marks.
