Pete & The Pirates - The Roundhouse, London - 9/6/07
4/5
By: Matt Tomiak
As Franz Ferdiand's Alex Kapranos so judiciously noted, sometimes it really is 'better in the matinee.' We hope he'd approve, in that arch, raised-eyebrow way of his, of this mid-afternoon showcase hosted by Artrocker at Camden's Roundhouse. Although they may not poses the easy, nonchalant swagger with which Franz made their name, unassuming Reading chappies and today's headliners Pete & The Pirates are just as delectable a pop proposition.
Singer Tom Sanders repeatedly thanks us for being such a delightful audience. But really, we ought to be the ones gushing forth with gratitude. For the term 'infectious' hardly does justice to this geeky-looking quintets' giddy, life- affirming repertoire. These tunes lodge themselves in your head quicker than that deadly predatory virus turns people into slobbering, mad-eyed, flesh-devouring zombies in '28 Weeks Later'. 'This Time' feels like a sun-kissed, US West Coast take on the Kaiser Chiefs; 'Knots' is a more direct, melody-centric Clap Your Hands Say Yeah! 'Bright Lights', meanwhile, is like The Coral fused with The Stone Roses' sweetest pop moments.
They end with forthcoming single 'Come on Feet', an instantaneous l'il hand-clap filled charmer with the kind of candy-coated immediacy more synonymous with The Pipettes than pasty-skinned male guitar bands. If we do get a P&TP album this year, it looks set to take its place alongside The Little One's 'Sing Song', The Shins' 'Wincing The Night Away' and Apples In Stereo's 'New Magnetic Wonder' as a UK representative amongst 2007's most scrumptiously catchy records. Pete & The Pirates, then...rubbish name- brilliant songs.
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