Communions

Sebright Arms

Danish quartet Communions, who filled the basement of the Sebright Arms on Monday, brought a familiar pop-punk angst to new and unexpected places. Following a cocky and unremarkable art-rock support band, and a few mumbled words in Danish to the sound guy, they owned the room completely.

It’s rare to see a band seem so confident in their sound when they’re so early to the game. Their own, vast brand of gloomy optimism worked consistently and without a hitch, and over the course of the show stretched from railing punk, through 90s alt rock to lofty dream pop. Their sound is difficult to pin down, but it’s an easy one to connect with, and especially live. Summer’s Oath was a clear highlight – led by frantic hi-hats and a jangly riff, it bursted with energy and in minutes completely won over the Sebright crowd.

Currently, Denmark’s vocal punk scene is blowing up. While its most celebrated act so far, Iceage, are propelled by melancholy, Communions seem more optimistic – driven by the chin-up celebration of good memories rather than the lamenting of days past. While they share the scene’s punk roots, their sound is lifted by a wall of deft Stone Roses-like guitars and a breezy confidence.

They seem together and focused, and despite keeping conversation with the crowd minimal, they create a real connection, even producing an opportunistic crowdsurf.

Following from the release of their Cobblestones EP and AA side So Long Sun/Love Stands Still, they’re headed to exciting things, and will no doubt be gracing our shores again in no time at all.