Chastity Belt
Doused in blue stage lights, Chastity Belt serenaded the full house at the well-loved Brudenell Social Club in Leeds, England.
York band Sewage Farm, featuring members of Nine Black Alps and White Firs, opened the night with songs fresh off their newest release, Harmony Beach. Sounding like a mash-up of sludgy alt-rock, 60’s garage, and 80’s indie pop, the trio warmed the room for the following full bill.
Leeds locals Esper Scout filled the venue next with empowered and exhilarating songs. As DIY powerhouses acting dynamically upon flowing moods and inspirations, the four-piece offer a charming yet deep musical experience. Impressive and memorable, they reach a sense of community in their actions and prowess in their talent.
GANG, touring with Chastity Belt on the European leg of their tour, aptly describe the room as a “gladiator arena” after playing a few heavy, fuzz-influenced first few songs; “We’re all going to have to fight to death at the end of the set.” Psychedelic garage and stoner rock melded perfectly into melodies would have to be GANG’s call to fame.
Fresh off their newest album, I Used to Spend So Much Time Alone, an exploration of the ways we all try just to be alright, Chastity Belt slide perfectly into a polished shoegaze and seem to have grown significantly since their early recordings. They took presence on the stage lit by a soft blue their entire set, and took the crowd for a ride on songs that sound perfect for a gloomy, holed-up-in-your-bedroom day.
Not even fractured shoulders can stop them; the lead guitarist of GANG stepped in for drummer Gretchen Grimm after a skating accident prevented her from playing guitar during “Stuck,” but still sang along with the extra member jamming away onstage. Lead vocalist Julia Shapiro laughed and said she hoped to see pictures from the makeshift new lineup.