The Lovegods

Having won Radio 1’s unsigned competition and been short listed for Glastonbury’s new bands competition, one could forgive The Lovegods for sneering over tonight’s packed pub show with the air of, well, love gods. However, that’s not their style. They’d rather rub you up, hose you down and have you there on the floor. And they do.

Any eyes that aren’t fixed on front-girl, Deah who streams around, her supermodel legs and plaited hair flying all over, are transfixed by their French lead guitarist, Art. His beautiful European cheek bones ache with the same reserved cool as his playing. No fuss, no solos, no posturing. The early part of their set bursts out from Alanis-fronted QOTSA-esq stoner rock of ‘Broken Tongue’ (with a truly wonderful chorus), into something delectably more singalong.

‘Sadie Mercedes’ is their centrepiece, and with their Australian (part Portuguese, Italian, everything) singer’s thrashing presence and creamy drawl, they lift the song far above its recorded entity. Live, they are rawer, more powerful and infectiously magnetic to watch.

They have fun too; not every song is about ‘dying for you’. ‘Such A Star’ is quite a hilarious ‘antidote’ to Pop Idol, and as it traverses many different rhythms and time changes going from ‘Coffee & TV’-Blur to early-Beatles, you think maybe they’ve found their niche. Deah’s first rate vocal abilities are clear from the outset, and everything her band does is meticulously well-crafted. Especially ‘Disco’ which, despite its questionable verses, does verge on creating a new genre amid its mash up of speed-rock and dance.

Although it’s commendable how The Lovegods remain untied to a set style, they lack real identity beyond the obvious attractions of their stunning frontwoman. Full of charming banter and heaps of personality, they still need to develop a mystique and an edge that divides pub bands from superstars. Musically, they seem slightly in limbo and despite some great moments, they still have yet to chance upon a killer song to take them over the edge. We don’t come out humming any tunes, sadly.

However, let’s not detract from what is a fantastic live show by a young band with tons of potential. The Lovegods could well be what we’ve all been waiting for. International, continental, sexual and fucking beautiful. Keep your eyes peeled.

Check out their music, videos and records here.