Live Report: Bitch Falcon in Whelans

Earlier in the week, I happened to notice a post on their Facebook page announcing that after seeing Cork band Elk for the first time, they have added them to the line up for tonight. Having seen these guys before, I’m not surprised in the slightest that Bitch Falcon are fans and I make it my business to get in in time to catch their set.

This 3 piece make a sound that defies their small set up - one guitar, one bass and some drums. A new-metal, math-rock sound with a growler on vocals to finish it all off, their sound is heavy, thrashy, with lots of distortion and heavy percussion.

At one point, a punter draped a Leinster scarf atop one of the monitors on the front of the stage, eliciting a response of ‘we’re from Cork, f**k Leinster’ from the bass playing vocalist. Despite being firmly in said province, there was no begrudging from a crowd who are clearly impressed with what they’re seeing.

Their set flows incredibly well, even when they mix it up a bit. There are some songs with clearer vocals, and some songs almost flit between genres like the ticking of a clock. One offering sounds very like Rage Against The Machine to start, flipping quickly into a more math sound like something from our own Adebisi Shank or Enemies.

We’re told that it will be a short set in order to accommodate 3 bands, but after what we thought was the last song, we hear there will be 2 more. There are absolutely no complaints from us as we’ve been lapping up everything they’ve playing. They make a wise choice for their last song - a long melodic guitar intro sets the anticipation levels nicely, as do some light cymbals when they're introduced. The addition of a rhythmic bass all leads up to a point when it all comes to a head with a crescendo of drums and a massive thrash sound.

As a last minute addition to tonights line up, and despite an early start, there was a reasonably sizeable crowd to see Elk - which we're happy about - they deserve it.

A quick turnaround brings Thumper to the stage with an extended intro of distorted guitars through which they announce ‘we are Thumper’ before breaking into a full blown metal garage inspired song with some low key backing vocals set against more prominent leads.

Their sound is quite punky and heavy, with a lot of trashy guitars and lots of reverb on the vocals.

There seems to be some indie brit pop inspiration, with vocals sounding very like Pete Doherty at times and some psychedelic feels throughout their set. And their set? Its a raucous one. The room is considerably more full at this stage - perhaps as many as are going to arrive - and everyone in it is going wild. At one point we’re asked to ‘sing along and f**k sh*t up’ before they do just that - throwing a guitar onto the ground in spectacular fashion.

This is followed by the guitar being reintroduced for one final offering which is performed while the lead is on his knees, screaming the chorus all while having his guitar literally kicked. An experience to say the least - these guys know how to put on a show. A lo-fi, noise rock band with elements of garage and pop shining through - these are ones to keep your eyes and ears on.

Again, a very quick turnaround finally brings us the main act. Bitch Falcon appear on stage to incessant guitars with a LOT of feedback. Heavy guitars and drumbeat combined with flashing lights set the stage for what promises to be a chaotic show and with a wail from Lizzie, everything kicks off.

With a harmoniser pedal being employed on vocals, they bring to mind those of Karen O at numerous stages through the set, particularly on single ‘Synocope’, and her use of a Fender Super Sonic guitar adds a visually striking element with its reverse headstock à la Jimmy Hendrix.

After a slower offering played in half time, they announce Darren as a guest guitarist so that Lizzie can now take centre stage. And that she does. Again her vocals on this offering are very Yeah Yeah Yeah’s, until she spectacularly stage dives into a welcoming crowd. Singing while being bounced around a crowd with a mosh pit that’s becoming more frenzied by the second cant be an easy feat, but she smashes it. When she does finally make it back to the stage, it’s just as a token so that she can dive once more into the mob, an effective move.

Announcing their last song, we are told that they ‘won’t make us ask for an encore’ in a sarcastic tone (wink wink). That part of the set is closed off with a Pixiesesque smasher and we’re left to shout for more to an empty stage (happily and honestly, despite the earlier goading).

When they rejoin the stage, we’re treated to something big, with heavy breathing placing the right emphasis. Once again, the frontwoman takes a dive into the crowd, continuing to play while being raised by not only the hands of the crowd but the high energy and excitement.

After being told that 'we know what the last song is’, we’re finally treated to ‘Of Heart’, which increases the already towering atmosphere to soaring heights - so much so that not one but two members of the crowd take a leaf out of Lizzie’s book and hop on the stage to do their own stage dives into a moshing crowd.

An incredible end to an already almost implausibly good show. These guys are going places, and we’ll be watching them every step of the way.