Look See Proof + Gravity Crisis @ Bar Academy – 31st March
Reigning from a cluster of the UK in which glitz and glamour is the norm, Hertfordshire born band Look See Proof are set to leave a lasting impression on all who they come into contact with.
I first saw the lads at a Christmas gig The Twang put on back in December. The whole night was set to be pretty boisterous to say the least, so Look See Proof’s entrance on to the stage proved to be a welcome relief. A few months on and the band have just begun playing their own tour in small, but well recognized venues around the UK.
Last night’s gig at a favoured venue of mine, Bar Academy, presented the small but fully charged crowd with an intimate setting which was to be a highlight for gig goers. Having missed only one support act The Gravity Crisis (thanks to the bright lights and cheap beer of the Square Peg) I was reliably informed by a friend that the Birmingham based band were definitely a group to look out for in the very near future. The same friend also explained to me that there was only one support as the other band had forgotten to bring their kit?! So pint in hand I made my way to the front through a crowd of about 100 who were seemingly anxious for Look See Proof to make their appearance.
The 4 piece consisting of brothers David (vocals/bass) and Lee Sells (vocals/guitars), Jason Slender (guitars) and Jonny Harry (vocals/drums) play an impressive set of songs from their ever evolving repertoire of catchy indie/pop tunes. I can’t figure out whether the lads are extremely proper and well spoken or whether they are ready to slap some East end London slang in your face (I think I’m leaning more towards the posh option). Either way the impressive vocally lead ‘Local Hero’ and their 2007 single ‘Casualty’ really get the crowd moving into a small foot stomping frenzy.
The harmonies between David, Lee and drummer Jonny really give their performance a lot of intensity. This combined with catchy guitar licks and up-tempo rhythms really creates a fury of songs the band should be proud of. The crowd already seem to be recognizing a lot of their stuff (thanks most likely to their MySpace site) and new single ‘Do You Think It’s Right’ released last week certainly gives the crowd something extra to chew on.
During their set the guys said they had never played to so many people who were there to see only them. They seemed a little overwhelmed by the whole night, but past performances on Lily Allen and Friends and great success with Steve Lamacq on his BBC 6 Music show obviously give them the confidence to give the crowd what they wanted last night.
Having recently been signed to Weekender Records (Official Secrets Act, Dogs, The Lines) Look See Proof set to release their debut album this summer. In the meantime check out their myspace, download their single on itunes and try to catch them next time round where no doubt they’ll be playing the bigger venues.
Review – Frazer Lawton
Photos – Michelle Owen