Dutch Uncles
XOYO, London
31/05/2011

The motley ensemble that take to the stage at Shoreditch venue-du-jour XOYO appear a little disjointed at first, maybe even a bit awkward, as they shuffle about with amps, giggling over the below-par sound setup which is delaying their set. But it soon becomes clear that this Mancunian pop powerhouse’s onstage eccentricity just complements their astounding musical abilities and unconventional manipulation of time and melody.

Charismatic frontman Duncan Wallis dresses like a youthful Alan Partridge, dances like the spasmodic lovechild of Gene Kelly and Michael Jackson, and has the voice of an angel (one that sounds a bit like Thom Yorke). The vast breadth of influences identifiable within this band’s work is undeniable, but they are not imitators. Dutch Uncles do what only truly exciting bands do in 2011 – take these influences and turn them into something truly unique.

Known for their abrupt pace and chord changes, each Dutch Uncles track is less like a song and more like several parts of a wonderfully bonkers symphony. The prog influence is clear and reflected in the frenetic song structures and elongated instrumentals, but Dutch Uncles embrace many genres, segueing effortlessly from heart-warming, key-laden powerpop into ‘OK Computer’-style melancholy and then tightly structured math rock riffery – there is even a touch of calypso in there somewhere.

The venue is filled with beaming faces throughout the set, but many are reluctant to dance too hard in case songs stop abruptly and they get caught throwing shapes to silence. The biggest smiles and most confident wiggles are reserved for recent single ‘X-O’, perhaps one of the most commercially accessible tracks on their album ‘Cadenza’. Unfortunately tonight the audience don’t get an encore, but The Fly has a feeling that everyone present will be coming back for more.

Laura Vevers