Exlovers [Live] EP launch Show - The Lexington, London

September 22nd 2009 - Support from Planet Earth, Babe Shadow

September 23, 2009, 07:39 PM

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The Lexington has fast become a bit of a mecca for new music lovers of an indie lilt and as such proves an ideal venue for the launch of Exlovers new EP 'You Forget So Easily'.

Support on the night came in the form of Babe Shadow who come with a nice jangle that lands somewhere in Albert Hammond territory if he'd grown up in Whitechapel and had Neighbours playing that Hockey album too loud, on repeat.

Planet Earth follow them up with some of the most understated lo-fi alt-rock Americana I've heard this side of the '00's. The entire band must have been rohypnol'ed just before sloping on stage as it's the only explanation for their near catatonic state. Still have some nice stylings on offer but next time guys, hit the uppers.

And so on to the Exl's who start things off with a grungy little dive into destruction with a smile. They're looking the part tonight with he* in arty shirt, floppy hat and bespoke tattoos and she** dancing behind the baby blue lappy in a pink dress that can't but help engender thoughts of its removal (sorry but there it is...) in the majority of male scene dabblers packing the room out tonight.

Exlovers are playing with a careful attention to their deftly crafted songs that demonstrates an obvious love and belief in what they are doing. We get a short, tight set coming in at under half an hour but no one's been cheated here. When they sing, "...and you have never looked more beautiful," on 'You Forget So Easily' it's enough to melt this Portland heart of mine (I'm from Croydon, but not in this daydream). Also present are the brilliant 'Just A Silhouette' and 'You're So Quiet', which seems to have changed names since I last reviewed the EP along with 'Photobooth'.

Closing with a much harder four to the floor belter (that I have written here on this pad as 'Weightless' but I could be wrong) and no messing about with encores they are gone before we've got to grips with what's just hit us. The light is on - catch them on their current UK tour with Kurran & The Wolfnotes if you get even half a chance.

*Pete
**Laurel


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