Dirty Pretty Things @ Cockpit
By Dave SugdenThere's the possibility of a successful band here, but it's unlikely to be named Louie. I mean, it could form from Louie, or component members thereof, but for now all we see before us is a band going through the stage of self-finding, identification and formation. Visually, they are an on-stage mess (not meant in a punk rock shambles way either, sorry) and it's hard not to think this simplistic dirty rock'n'roll is merely Jordan, Gaz and band.
Why, oh why, do bands wheel out the Korg and keys, centre stage even, and then blimmin' well not use them?! Please, please, please can we have more of the last two songs Humanzi, you know, where Shaun Mulrooney starts to use the equipment in front of him ... the set closers were ace on toast! It seemed apt today that I was reminded of the Coops. And errm, less of the dirge rock that preceded it, because, ahem, that wasn't quite so toast worthy.
Ignoring, for a clarity-defining moment, their background, is it not a touch saddening that Dirty Pretty Things seem pressed - destined even - to play The Libertines songs? Does the audience demand it? Sadly, from their reaction, it seems so as the kids go mental but only when they get the merest smoky whiff of a Libs' riff... Me? Well, I just stand longingly waiting, breath bated, but knowing realistically, hand-on-heart that "Panzer Attack" certainly isn't going to get a play. Great set though, and respect due: Dirty Pretty Things have the songs and are fantastically entertaining, so errm, yeah, love you xx
