Catch Them While You Can
Indie trip Popular Workshop looked like they've leapt straight from the pages of Artrocker in cooler than thou attire and with fabulous art pop tunes on tap. They're on fine form tonight, giving a frenzied performance that puts other purveyors of indie to shame. Songs about the softer side of life, such as falling in love, take on a visceral quality with vocal yelps and theatrical stage raging from singer/guitarist Gypsy and stabbing guitar riffs cutting through the room. The punchy, 'Uh (Uh) Uh Uh' is good fun, with bellowing vocals delivered from beneath Gypsy's long black hair, and instantly danceable beats that get the crowd suitably warmed up. Single, 'Popsong' is catchy enough to fulfil the requirements of the genre and outdo most pop tunes with a fine guitar riff, but closer 'Radical' is probably the most memorable tune, not only because of its place in the set of the deafening guitar squeals preceding it, but just because it's a top tune. Towards the end of the set there's some furious guitar mangling and shivering cymbal crashes that add to the band's arty credentials. The trio throw themselves into the performance with Gypsy even sending plectrums flying across the stage at one point, such is the vigour of the show.
Their enthusiasm is beyond criticism and the tunes are catchy and lively, although occasionally a tad repetitive. With an album out in September, it seems that Popular Workshop are teetering on the edge of the indie big time with a devoted fan base and a great live show that's a real treat for all present.