Girl Band play frenzied closing set at DIY’s Roundhouse Rising showcase

Girl Band aren’t the types to disappoint. DIY’s Roundhouse Rising showcase reads like a who’s-who of exciting new music prospects, and it’s the Dubliners job to finish things off with an unforgettable set.

A week’s worth of events is approaching its close, tonight’s headliners linking up with Brighton’s The Magic Gang, fellow seasiders Object Object and Liverpudlians Hooton Tennis Club in bringing forward DIY’s picks for the year ahead. In truth, most in attendance are already more than aware of the Rough Trade signings, but that doesn’t stop their set from scattering surprises in amongst the inevitable chaos.

Openers Object Object are more of a revelation. On record, they drive new wave into unfamiliar territory, nodding to the ‘80s without creating an outright homage. Live, it’s all about a frenetic, all-encompassing build. Primarily vocalist Aimee Montague and bassist Bertie Morris’ project, their debut ‘Bones’ single was recorded by John Parish (PJ Harvey, Eels) in Roundhouse’s very own studios, and tonight’s set shows there’s plenty more to come. Expanded to a four-piece, their free-to-move, bellowed chants nod to Sweden’s Makthaverskan, guitar-work mirroring The Horrors at their most expansive. With every move, there’s a raw sense of abandon at work. “We’re very grateful for this opportunity,” Montague declares towards the end, but this won’t be the last we hear of them.