Polar Bear Club
Continuing the sunny good-time vibes of Man Overboard, New York's Polar Bear Club play an equally great set, full of power, excitement and great songs. With 2009's fantastic 'Chasing Hamburg' album putting them firmly on the map, the band are certainly in good stead and with their forthcoming third album already garnering critical acclaim and performances such as the one they give today under their belts, they could be onto something really great and deservedly so. Opening with absolute modern rock anthem 'Living Saints', the quintet don't mess around, vocalist Jimmy Stadt has turned into a truly rousing frontman and the strength of his voice really comes across, particularly on the defiant refrains of 'Boxes', as his band kick out the jams behind him. At times the sound wavers and a slight connection is lost but it's only momentary and the rapport between band and audience is kept firmly in place.
An impressive performance from the New Yorkers and a lucid sign that once 'Clash Battle Guilt Pride' hits the shelves, they could be a very big prospect indeed. Be sure to catch them on tour with Rise Against in November, on this evidence you won't be disappointed.