Live Review: Veronica Falls, Go Violets, Mope City

First up on the hazy GoodGod stage were local trio Mope City, putting in a strong set of DIY shoegaze that definitely showed a young band with promise. While the vocals could have been turned up a notch, Matt Nev's guitar work is truly impressive and the songs have a warm and dreamy aesthetic that leaves you wanting more.

The ever-vibrant Go Violets were up next and showcased their quickly expanding catalogue of indie-pop gems. Having caught them at their Josie EP launch a just few months back, it's crazy to hear the set has tightened so quickly. Recent singles, Wanted and Josie, were especially crisp and hummed along perfectly, while the punchy guitars and driving basslines became more prominent in every track. The songs seem to have an extra level of sheen on them now, and while some of the charming fuzz of earlier gigs is gone, the months of touring have turned them into a smashing live act.

Last on stage were UK jangle rockers Veronica Falls, playing to a small yet devoted crowd. The band's latest, Waiting For Something To Happen, is one of the most underrated albums of the year, and it lost none of its retro-leaning swagger live.

Veronica Falls tracks sound strangely familiar yet totally original. While they don't fit easily within the constraints of any sweeping genre (which is a reviewer's worst nightmare), what they do is write smashingly catchy tunes with an emotional edge. And while the production on the record gives the tracks a slightly hollow effect, in a live format the duelling guitars make the songs sound rougher and more tightly strung.

This immediacy gives the lyrics a more panicked feeling, which feels oddly suitable. In saying that, the guys are so good live that aspects transfer seamlessly from their records. The harmonies are lush, the drums hypnotic and bass lines moving. Lead tracks, Teenage and Waiting For Something To Happen, perfectly showcase the balance of hook and atmosphere the band hits effortlessly, and have everyone break into an unexpected dance party, while Falling Out and Everybody's Changing showed off the band's impressive songwriting chops.

Veronica Falls aren't the first atmospheric jangle-rockers and they won't be the last, but their lush, immediate tracks put them at the forefront of current British guitar bands. Let's hope they don't stay underrated for long.