TALONS

TANGLED HAIR

BUSH HALL, LONDON

Before Talons take to the stage for their penultimate live performance, London trio put on a great set that mixes self-deprecating betweensong humour with some superbly mathy, pre-emo tunes in the vein of Spy Vs. Spy or Q And Not U. Very good. After 13 years of service, Hereford sextet deserve a bigger crowd than they get for this headline set, but those not present are missing out, because the band are superb tonight. Coming across like an amalgam of Godspeed You! Black Emperor and And So I Watch You From Afar dressed like the Droogs from , they wring every last drop of sweat from their bodies as they plough into their often delicate, often beautiful, often crushing and often euphoric compositions. There’s an idea that post-rock can be a rather passive, serious live experience, but watching Talons, it’s difficult not to be caught up in the tsunami of noise and the careering momentum they create. Yes, it is challenging; yes, it can take a while for the explosions to arrive, but when Talons let loose, they’re as powerful as any metal band. What a pity they’re calling it a day.