Under the backdrop of angelic wistful vocals and swirling melodic rock, Neon Waltz, the UK’s most isolated/hard-working band, blew the capital away on a rainy August weekday night. Based at the top of the UK near John O’Groats, the Scottish group’s debut gathers influences from this area and they delivered a stupendous set made up of intricately crafted, heart-swelling songs taken from Strange Hymns.

A former working man’s club located within the thriving hipster epicentre of Hackney, Moth Club was almost full to the brim to watch the five-piece deliver a set lasting just over half an hour. Their swirling ‘wall of sound’ vibe transcends a variety of genres, whilst always retaining a loyalty to delicate, emotional harmonies; and it seems as if their seclusion at the top of the British Isles has made them extremely tight with each subtle nuance and intricate tweak in the recordings being represented within a live environment.

Their tight melodic flair compelled the crowd to sway along with the twang of the two guitarists and the grandiose sounds of the organist, with the rhythm section catering for the pulsating framework of each poignant composition. Frontman Jordan Shearer is the real star of the show though, as he unceremoniously patrolled the stage and dished out sporadic compelling lines of love, depression and heartbreak; whilst simultaneously sharing the odd passing glance with individual audience members.

The LP was kept as straight-forward as possible, with the aim of capturing the distinctive sonic output at each time of recording. This shows on stage with the differences between the two versions barely noticeable. As you inspect their set, you recognise traces of The National and The Coral, but also post-punk artists such as Interpol. However, the Scots succeed in maintaining a distinguishing sound all of their own.

The potent drumming and imperious twin guitars determined the night’s startling volume, as the raw sound gradually grew the obeying spectators closer to the stage. Opener ‘Sundial’ gave an initial atmospheric rush before the grandiose ‘Perfect Frame’s enthralling upsurges joyously ignited the glitter-infused room.

They rarely stopped for breath as each track bled into the next, and then came recent single ‘Heavy Heartless’ to the cry of appreciative wails. “Nothing’s OK/I’m going through a phase/Heavy heartless,” cried Shearer during an imposing delivery. A short acoustic song then took place before the picturesque ‘Sombre Fayre’ gently rose into existence before it reached its elaborate peak.

Old track and one of their first ever recordings ‘Bare Wood Aisles’s glorious organ line then took over proceedings before the drums and bass guitar took precedence for the motorik pulse of beloved live favourite ‘Bring Me To Light’. ‘Dreamers’ then brought the evening to a surprising early close as the insistent bassline and euphoric splashes of percussion floated along in a stimulating call to arms.

It capped off a night in which the passion and soul absent in today’s rock landscape was in full view. This tight Scottish band manage to rise above their peers because of their stirring and enriching songwriting, which can only improve as they evolve as a collective. Neon Waltz brim with passion and emotion, and their connection on stage is rare and endearing.

Paul Hill

Facebook: facebook.com/neonwaltz
Twitter: twitter.com/neonwaltz