Gig review: 2:54, Captain’s Rest, Glasgow

A BAND deserves the description “ethereal” when their striking lead singer has appeared in what looks like a white sylph’s nightgown, perfecting an indie Florence Nightingale impression, as her copper hair tumbles over her shoulders and her low-slung guitar strap barely creases the elegant attire.

This group might have earned themselves the term goth – in the old-fashioned sense – were it not for the bright style with which Colette Thurlow presented herself.

In their music, there’s a combination of resolute melancholy and unbowed grit, with Thurlow’s sister, Hannah (brunette, dressed in black), digging out blunt and insistent guitar riffs, while bassist and drummer Alex Robins and Joel Porter (not as striking as either of the women) underpinned each track with strident, steady rhythms.

2:54 (a hell of a name to search for online) are a distinctive band with the spectral grace of Siouxsie and the Banshees blended with The xx, but it’s Colette who makes them soar. Her voice is made of the same lustrous confidence as PJ Harvey; the elegant dreaminess of Kate Bush; the reedy soul of Stevie Nicks. She competes with none on their terms, but all on her own.

The music purrs during Sugar and grinds like biting gears amidst Easy Undercover, the latter song featuring Colette’s sweet snarl purring temptingly to a departing lover.

“This light’s so blinding,” she cooed, holding her hand up against the glare. “It’s like an abyss.” Her music, conversely, is dark but warmly comforting.

Rating: ****