It’s of little surprise that the Electric Ballroom in Camden is at breaking point tonight for the youthfully Northern five-piece Marmozets. Having blown almost everyone away with their debut full-length, ‘The Weird and Wonderful…’ last year, and having honed their live skills with a whole host of dates across the globe, tonight adds another cherry to their increasingly luxurious cake.
Considerably removed from their earlier math-rock material – although ‘Vibetech’ still burns the math torch brightly – Marmozets have cemented their appeal by forging their own niche. Undoubtedly and effortlessly supported by the expertly delivered instrumentation, vocalist Becca MacIntyre is the infallible focal point throughout their performance. Where main support Thought Forms delve into the introverted, Becca embraces her showpersonship. To get to this point, Marmozets have evidently rehearsed endlessly. Their raw force has elevated them to their current position, now joined by a clean and matching ability to deliver. Together, the two sides of Marmozets create a force to be reckoned with.
Set up by the eerie soundscapes of distorted grunge, shoegaze and doom, Thought Forms shroud the room in a dense atmosphere before Marmozets explode into ‘Move, Shake, Hide’. Immediately showcasing the headliner’s frenetic energy, it paves the way for things to come. Raging through a setlist comprising almost their entire debut full-length – consequently disregarding any older material – the exhilaration never waivers. Even comparably slower material such as ‘Back To You’ carries an unrivalled intensity, with genuine spine-tingling results.
Suggested in part by the notable absence of ‘Cry’ – their album’s only ballad – Marmozets have set out to shake the rafters. Tonight directly challenges any criticism of their ferocity, which may have arisen from their markedly more melodic sound. As the final notes of the encore-less set closer ‘Why Do You Hate Me?’ ring out, the Yorkshire outfit reign triumphant. The strength of their performance is unparalleled amongst their contemporaries, and without doubt the best they have ever sounded. It’s powerful and coarse yet simultaneously polished, and ultimately stunningly delivered.
BEN TIPPLE