Shout Out Louds

The third night of their first headline tour, and things aren't quite going according to plan for the Shout Out Louds. The Zodiac's smaller room is barely half full, the bass amp is playing up and patience is wearing thin. They're not even on stage yet, and it's getting late.

When they finally arrive, to muted applause, it's clear that they're going to have to work hard to win over this skeptical crowd. Ambling onstage with a minimum of fuss, the five Swedes launch into 'Please Please Please' in a fashion that suggests they're more than up to the task.

Moog-driven single 'The Comeback' soon follows, a little like a cross between The Features and The Strokes, and provokes a healthy amount of foot tapping. By the time they play 'Very Loud' the same people who were complaining about the time it took for them to come on stage are dancing like happy idiots.

Shout Out Louds sound like a band who've worked hard at their craft, and although there are few bells and whistles, they produce a well orchestrated bluesy racket. Drummer and Moby lookalike Eric rattles away at the back of the stage while guitarists Carl and Adam trade melodies up front. Backed by the delectable Bebban on keyboards and energetic bass player Ted, theirs is a well oiled pop machine.

Dealing in a currency of failed relationships and troubled minds, their songs take downbeat subjects and turn them into floor fillers. It's a simple plan, but if they can continues to win over audiences like this, it's only a matter of time before it comes to fruition.

Photo courtesy of Gemma White.