Live Review: CLT DRP, After London | Signature Brew Haggerston, London | 17/02/2022
On the eve of Storm Eunice engulfing our shores with raucous weather, CLT DRP were barrelling their own typhoon of noise across the land on tour. Their aim to obliterate any venue in sight.
After London
Signature Brewery’s venue/bar in Haggerston filled up almost as quickly as the beers were being consumed. A great vibe from the Thursday night crowd sheltering from the chill. Support band After London warming the bones up nicely on this blustery night. The quartet delivering their groove driven post-punk. New single ‘Here, Tonite’ (released on Roadkill records) a highlight that has been getting some traction. Worth keeping an eye on potential future full-length releases down the line.
Photo Credit: Derek Bremner
Score: 7/10
CLT DRP
Headliners CLT DRP have rapidly become well known and respected in the certain circles. From opening the Bixler Stage at ArcTanGent 2019 to touring alongside Heriot and Svalbard towards the end of last year, from the off, they have attracted attention in the broadly described ‘alt rock’ scene. Their continued stellar live performances have been backed up by a highly rated debut album Without the Eyes. They are certainly scratching a specific itch many ‘alt rock’ fans didn’t know they had.
However, to pigeonhole Annie and Co to a specific scene is far from correct. Their sonic offerings could and should in future bridge the ever-closing gaps to other music scenes and worlds. A good example, the west country EBM come post rock outfit SCALPING supporting the likes of Square Pusher after also playing a slot at ArcTanGent. CLT DRP will hopefully accomplish this through sheer quality of their song writing alone rather than fitting a certain mould.
The fact this was the last date of a reasonable stretch of dates around the UK, the energy from all three was still there. This alone worth more than a round of applause and a crisp Signature Brew pint.
Opening with ‘Like Father’, Annie’s infectious moves and direct vocals accompanied by the insanely disgusting and enticing racket from Scott (guitar) and the hard-hitting Daphne (drums), showing they were not here to mess about.
‘Zoom 20’ hit next with its immensely heavy, groove riding flow. The crowd are reminded early on why CLT DRP are one of the special talents about now. It is hard to think of many in the UK that can top these three in intertwining electronics, noise rock and brutally honest vocals with such dynamism in a live room. Every bass drum beat and snare crack attacks on one flank as indescribable resonances pierces your ear drums from the other. The assault is overwhelming in all the right ways.
Proof that they are here to stay for the foreseeable is the depth in their new material. From new single ‘Torx’ and fresh sounds in ‘Aftermath’ and ‘Affirmations’. Each as intense as the last. The breadth of sounds from ASIWYFA math-rock like riffs to sludgey buzzes and disgusting grooves smashes you in the gut. We are all still trying to work out how any of this emanates from Scott’s dining room table sized pedal board (guitar wizzes please send in your theories on a postcard).
Annie’s vocals never let up or show signs of tiring. Her range from hypnotic wails to in-yer-face belting is enviable. And again, let’s not forget about Daphne’s ‘in the pocket’ chops. There is not enough praise for each individual’s input and importance to what should be their future success.
Never ones to go quietly into the night they demolish every mind and ear drum in the room with three favourites ‘I Don’t Want To Go The Gym’, ‘Where The Boys Are’ and a one song encore of the most forceful version of ‘Worth It’. Annie jumping into the crowd of smiling, sonically melted faces and shuffling happy feet.
If you have yet to witness them live at this point, change the error of your ways, and give yourselves up to Hurricane CLT DRP.
Photo Credit: Derek Bremner
Score: 9/10
Without The Eyes is out now via Small Pond Records.
CLT DRP