Live Review Goldhawks 
The West Londoners emerge onto the indie landscape with a range of influences from both sides of the Atlantic
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West Londoners Goldhawks are about to release debut single ‘Running Away’ on 7th December, and are thus currently making waves with a fourteen-date UK tour. They have just finished playing a string of gigs over in New York and are being tipped for big things in 2010, with their distinctive blend of vintage American and British influences.
Asking Dan provided support at the Cockpit, and clearly have a dedicated fan base of their own as they got their audience suitably excited. The trio demonstrated an impressive set of intelligently written, upbeat songs, the highlight being the liberating ‘Long Day’.
Affable frontman Dan, formerly of Leeds College of Music, displayed impressive vocals and the band’s music school background showed through with their inclination for harmonies. Nevertheless, their cheery banter kept the audience amused and hanging on their every word.
Goldhawks seemed a much less outgoing bunch and didn’t speak a word to spectators, keeping their heads down as they concentrated on the performance. This focus translates into their music and they proved to be consummate instrumentalists, with tight rhythms supported by The Cure-like bass and melodies which add quirkiness to their sound.
The songs were likeable and in contrast with frontman Bobby Cook’s intense punk vocals, they contained grandeur of the U2 variety, with dramatic opening chords and sweeping melodic lines. There is depth to the five-piece though, and an underlying moodiness throughout their music gives them an appealing dark edge.
Goldhawks only had enough time for a twenty-minute set before the curfew and have yet to exhibit the self-assurance that will come with experience, but they showed that they are definitely worth keeping an eye on. Hopefully they will further explore their edgier influences to keep them just on the right side of original and intriguing.
Goldhawks played at the Cockpit on 26th November
Posted on Monday 30th November 2009
Rebecca Ryder
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