2:54 with Honeyblood & Golden Gardens @ Barboza
2:54
W/Honeyblood & Golden Gardens
March 8, 2015 @ Barboza, Seattle, WA
Review by Stephanie Dore
Photos by Sunny Martini
Brooding and full of swagger, British sisters Colette and Hannah Thurlow brought their band, 2:54 (along with backing drums and bass), to the tiny, darkened Barboza stage on Sunday night. Halfway through a quick U.S. tour in support of last year’s sophomore album The Other I, the band offered a solid set, with the sisters’ onstage dynamism being a major draw. They sway in unison and play off each other well, giving an eerily menacing performance. While their new album may lean slightly more pop than their 2012 self-titled debut, by no means should you expect any sugar-drenched tracks. Their beat-heavy gloom never lets up, and even if not vulnerable, Colette’s vocals are bracingly strong. Despite a lack of transparent emotion, the band has hit their stride and here’s to hoping they stick to their developing sound.
Scottish duo Honeyblood, backing 2:54 on the tour, played their hybrid of indie-pop-punk with effervescent vigor. How they manage to be both adorable and gritty is impressive, and their music feels the same. Only months after the release of their debut full-length Honeyblood the band is on point. Influences like Best Coast, PJ Harvey and Dum Dum Girls, may give you an idea of where they’re coming from, but the unique beauty and clarity of Stina Tweeddale’s vocals backed by the visceral drumming of Cat Myers will have you liking them on their own merit.
Local openers Golden Gardens were a mystical revelation of their own. The dream-pop three-piece doesn’t hide from their gothy, techno-heavy delivery, all the while crafting a hazy, heartbreaking soundscape. With several EPs, plenty of airplay and a growing audience, this threesome has all the elements of being your next indie favorite.
In addition to contributing to NadaMucho.com Sunny and Stephanie share their words and photos at Seattle Music News.