WARPAINT
O2 Academy, Bristol | 21 February
They’ve hinted at it for a while, but it’s now way, way beyond a doubt. Warpaint have become an incredible band.
As with much of their self-titled second record, the Bristol leg of their victorious album tour smoulders with a deep-rooted sensuality. Theresa Wayman’s increased vocal responsibility and freedom from the shackles of her guitar strap have transformed her into a swaying, captivating focal point. The band are lined up as a quartet, Jenny Lee Lindberg sat centrally on a stool in front of her bass stack, her neck crouched over her guitar’s, deep swells undulating through her body to the sold out room; the almost robotic Stella Mozgawa subtle and cyclical behind her kit; Emily Kokal a swooning, ethereal presence at stage right. The atmosphere is charged, the likes of new album cut Hi resonating with the emotive, distant sexiness of the Cocteau Twins. Seldom have we heard such flawless harmonies as those struck between Wayman and Kokal, their almost identical tones sounding eerie in sync, then startling as they split into two – vocals of such unerring perfection you could easily take them for granted, nestled amongst the swathes of moody fog seeping from the speakers. Biggy drags you through, before a stunning double-header of Undertow and Disco//Very hang heavy in the air as the band leave the stage.
The encore sees Kokal alone, performing an achingly delicate rendition of Baby, sadly blighted by a handful of drunken voices – perhaps surprising given this is an early show – which causes a rush of shushes from the besotted, and somewhat irritated, majority as well as prompting the figure onstage to declare (a little flustered, but still entirely lovely) that ‘anyone talking had better start dancing’. She’s joined by her cohorts for the groove-tinged tribute Billie Holiday complete with chanted initials and then, finally, a majestic Elephant which descends into a vibrant jam. Their psych tendencies may be waning, sets built around more confident, potent song structures, yet their dreamy, more challenging wanderings still loom large. Warpaint have surpassed all of our expectations. They’ve fully cemented their reputation as one of the most essential live bands out there right now.
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Words: Rich Bitt
Photo: Martin @ All Your Prey
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