Shit happens. For Nordic Giants, shit happened on the motorway to Leeds. A broken down hire van led to them limping to the venue after they were due to be on stage, only to be unable to prize the doors open even with a crowbar in order to access their equipment. As a result, they were disappointingly unable to perform. But before all of this was announced, and the news that refunds were being given, support act Battle Lines took to the stage to provide what would be the evening’s music.
I’ve seen the band play more times than I can count, and have watched their evolution with interest. Five years ago, still playing under their old name, they were tight, proficient and impressive in their professionalism. But tonight, ahead of heading out to Texas to play the prestigious SXSW, they excelled themselves.
Premiering new material alongside recent singles ‘Hearts’ and ‘Colonies’, they’ve left behind all of their earlier songs and in doing so have brought a new sharpness to the definition of their sound and musical identity. Steely, dark and with heavy hints of ‘Movement’ era New Order, ominous synths and urgent sequenced percussion in conjunction with the solid live drums creates a deep, brooding atmosphere. The bass and drums are pitched to the fore of the mix, the guitars are pegged back as they forge a claustrophobic soundtrack to emotional turmoil, disillusionment and inner conflict.
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They’re as tight as hell, the four locked into the sound and functioning as a unit: as ever, singer Carly emanates a coiled edginess and simmering intensity that makes for a compelling performance.
With a US single release in the offing and the potential to garner some serious attention, things are looking better than ever for Battle Lines. All the signs are that they’re up to the challenge: if they maintain this kind of form, Texas is in for a treat.
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