It’s a modest crowd tonight at the Hoops’ show. It’s surprising, the US band have received a lot of praise for their recent album Routines and given the hype behind them you might anticipate a sell-out show. It’s been one of the nicest days in Brighton we’ve had in a while. Taking a break from the grey misery, the city is tranquil and bright. The band are hovering outside the venue drinking in the setting sun, smiling and saying hello to people nearby. In a way, today is the perfect setting for Hoops. Their music is bright, tingeing towards the psychedelic. They have notes of bands like Pond and Unknown Mortal Orchestra and their music sounds vigorous and free.

Coming onstage at The Green Door Store they kick things off with ‘Rules’, Drew Auscherman the singer/guitarist, whips up and down the guitar neck. His riffs are fast paced and he plays them at ease with a cheeky grin. Their playing is spot on, given the complexity of some of the guitar riffs you’d forgive a few hitches especially whilst singing, however there isn’t one. They make it look effortless and are consistent throughout the set.

Drums are provided by James Harris and it’s in the live environment you realise how brilliant they are. His beats are punchy and give lots of impact whilst remaining understated. It doesn’t overpower it just provides a brilliant energy to the set. Hoops are clearly an incredibly talented group of musicians, sharing vocal duties and providing bass is Kevin Krauter, who again plays flawlessly. He plays these wonderful basslines that act as a perfect counterpart for Auscherman’s guitar playing. Altogether the band sound very well balanced and all the elements of their music are well considered. In a live environment, seeing them all play in front of you, its undeniable how technically good they are.

Hoops play fantastically tonight, they’re tight, relaxed and well-rehearsed. There isn’t a single hiccup throughout the set. There is a slight let down in terms of the sound. The components are all there but you really have to focus in to hear certain elements of the guitar in particular which doesn’t always come through strongly enough. This does take away some of the excitement as the set feels as though it’s turned down low, but this doesn’t detract from how great their songs are and how tight they are as a band.

It’s a short and sweet set from the band, they don’t let the gig go stale for a moment despite sound issues. The crowd are excited and even throw out requests. Hoops are good humoured and charming which makes them a joy to watch live. Their album Routines is nothing short of great and I’m sure, in time, cities will be scrambling for tickets at their best venues. For now though I urge you to get yourself a copy of Routines. It’s an album that keeps on giving.

Chris Middleton

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