German alternative rockers The Picturebooks return to the capital to play a sold out show upstairs at The Lexington, and as always they don’t disappoint.
The two piece are no strangers to the UK, having supported American heavy hitters Monster Truck earlier in the year, along with playing Camden’s Desertfest, and they only seem to go from strength to strength with each set.
Tonight is seemingly the perfect intimate setting to put their eccentric and raw talents on display, as the smaller dark room only seems to shine more of a spotlight on Fynn Grabke & Philipp Mirtschink respectively. Mirtschink’s drumming style can only be described as unique, as it’s a rare thing for him to actually finish a set with his kit still intact. Combine this with Grabke’s rasping vocals and mesmerising riffs. and the result is a sound which is simply so huge it really shouldn’t even be possible coming from a two piece band.
From the outset they go about their business in expert fashion, playing a set consisting primarily of tracks from latest record ‘Home is a Heartache’, as well as select cuts from their repertoire. Watching the twosome, you’d be completely forgiven for thinking they’d come straight outta the Californian desert rather than the small German town of Gütersloh they hail from. They have a sound which instantly transports you stateside.
It may not be the type of rock that instigates mosh pits, but you’d be hard pressed to find a member of the packed room not singing along or banging their feet to the drums of Mirtschink. As the set comes to a close, The Picturebooks have once again proven just why every time they visit the UK their following, and their shows, get a little bit bigger. They may be taking the slow and steady approach, but Germany’s most underrated band are only going in one direction, and that’s onward to greatness.
CHRISTOPHER LEE