Gig review: Metronomy, Glasgow

IS THERE such a thing as lo-fi baroque music? Maybe Metronomy have just invented it – it seems a fair description of the Casiotone arpeggios which kicked off this show, heralding the characterful analogue sound of their new album Love Letters.

Metronomy

Metronomy - ABC, Glasgow

* * * *

Over the course of a likeable and sometimes sublime set, the Brighton band played almost every song on their latest release, but found it hard to top the mesmeric pull of the opening trio of tracks: the simple sophistication and sincerity of Monstrous, the fluid, languorous guitar sound and vocals on Month Of Sundays and the glorious title track, an English indie take on Motown, with bonus synth squiggles and everyone in the band joining in on exultant backing vocals. Nothing else in the set could quite measure up to its exuberance, though the audience latched on to the mode-ish synth funk of Radio Ladio.

Frontman Joe Mount was a terribly polite presence at the centre of festivities, but his songwriting talent is undeniable, and just as potent on the more fragile, plaintive numbers such as Call Me and The Most Immaculate Haircut.

Metronomy is his baby, but he was supported by a game crew of musicians, all kitted out in matching mulberry jackets, black shirts and white slacks.

Drummer Anna Prior was a thoroughly infectious timekeeper, while bassist Olugbenga Adelekan regularly supplied the funk.

Indeed, the instrumental Boy Racers, unexpectedly redolent of cheesy disco favourite Let’s All Chant, demonstrated they could be as playfully retro as Daft Punk.

Seen on 19.0.14