Live: Howler @ Deaf Institute

Howler
Deaf Institute
30th January
3 stars

Clichés are clichés for a reason, nevertheless they can be a bit tiresome, and so with some trepidation I shall indulge. Howler, Minneapolis’ very own indie rock outfit, shall entertain the position of our trying-to-please male in this classic ‘first date’ scenario. Despite some high praise, the majority of audience members tonight aren’t all too familiar with their ‘date’, if you like. With their first album America, Give up, hot off the presses, Howler were keen to build on those initial positive signs.

After an intimate set from solo performer Manmade, Howler emerged. With but a few devoted followers, the band’s early attempts to engage fell on slightly flat ears, getting proceedings off to a slightly uneasy start. But fear not, for when they got down to business, they didn’t disappoint. Undistinguishable from the raw, visceral sounds heard on album, Howler manage to charm with memorable melodies, broken strings and intimate insights into their own personal relationships. Safe to say, by the half way point the likes of ‘Beach Sluts’ and ‘Told You Once’ have quashed any early doubts.

With an obvious shortage of material, the night’s performance was brief, but sufficient. Drawing comparisons from several bands, like The Strokes, Jesus and Mary Chain etc., there’s no danger of total rejection. Whether Howler shows enough of their own personality and flare to become that special one, the jury is still out. Assured, energetic, genuine, all the right things. Fancy meeting up again? Yeah, I’d say so.

Howler – Back of Your Neck (live)