aaamusic | On 21, Sep 2010

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London, 16th September

In a beautifully kitsch back room of Islington’s the Old Queen’s Head, West Coast guitar pop band The Like took to the stage at a secret gig, the day after they performed at the ICA.

The Like are a band out of time, with lead singer  Elizabeth Berg and bass player Charlotte Froom sporting bright 1960s dresses and drummer Tennessee Thomas in black with a white collar so large it wouldn’t have looked out of place on the Mayflower.

With their latest album ‘Release Me’ being produced by Mark Ronson, The Like will struggle to avoid success.

Musically the band have a sound clearly influenced by groups like Blondie and The Supremmes, infused with a jangly 60s guitar pop. Comparisons, for better or worse, with Brighton’s The Pippettes seem inevitable.

Despite the fact that much of the audience began the show lounging on the bar’s sofas, it didn’t take long before people got up to jive. Undoubtedly the band are excellent fun as the soundtrack to a night out, but whether their music is worth seeking out to actually enjoy and listen is another thing. Candy-coated songs such as Release Me and He’s Not A Boy, although danceable, lack interest or originality to warrant further listens. The more interesting moments came when the music took a more sinister turn, such as Annie Monroe’s creepy organ on Narcissus In A Red Dress and Berg’s threats to a cheating boyfriend on Wishing He Was Dead.

With their musical pedigree the band look set to make a splash. Certainly worth checking out live, but unless sugary all-girl guitar pop is particularly your thing, I would approach with caution.

Author & Photos: Laura Oliver