Openers for Pronto's Tote residency show tonight are the noisy duo Ross De Chene Hurricanes. The band are unfortunately quite late due to undisclosed technical issues but the wait is well worth it. The pair are an incredibly tight, indie-rock outfit with blues undertones whose high-octane sets are ideal for any garage enthusiast. This is conveyed through opener I Don't Really Care, a song lifted off their solid Don't Sweater It EP, which is followed by some great new material. Unfortunately due to their lateness, the set comes to a close after what feels like about 20 minutes – a shame considering the duo's contagious noise-rock tunes are consistently a winner. Closer Keep It To Yourself proves that this talented duo are as capable of unleashing a sound as sturdy and full as any large band.
After RDCH's lo-fi sound, it's doubtful that anyone unfamiliar with Richie 1250 & The Brides Of Christ is expecting what is to follow. Despite their Murderdolls-esque name, The Brides Of Christ are a delightfully androgynous alternative-pop outfit, almost like a B-52s revival band. Frontman Richie 1250's enthusiasm and mumbled banter are fantastically entertaining, as is backing vocalist, tambourine and maraca player Helena Plazzer's aggressive '60s go-go dancing. The highlight of the set is decidedly when Richie 1250 returns, from what most assumed was a toilet break, in a frilly new outfit – one reminiscent of the 'puffy shirt' from that episode of Seinfeld. Anyone who incorporates a costume change in a support slot at The Tote gets immediate kudos. This six-piece's bubbly eccentricity and amusing songs such as Crawfish (a Rock Lobster reference?) and French Fry can't help but charm the growing crowd.
Headliners for the evening are Pronto, a spunky local outfit who play traditional garage punk with echoes of the well choreographed roughness of Gang Of Four. This is the penultimate show of their Tote residency and the energy of their fast-paced performance is out in spades. This raw five-piece use clanging overdriven guitars and fast but steady tempos to raise the intensity of the night. Fierce and emboldened frontman Jack Petty exudes swaggering showmanship while delivering fast-talking vocals. With both guitarists alternating between playing backing chords and lead melody, plus a strong rhythm section, Pronto bring a vigorous and solid set to the table. For those with a penchant for power-punk tunes of bygone eras, Pronto is a safe and rewarding bet.
