It seems like I’m repeating myself every time I see Tuff Love, it’s becoming such a regular occurrence that I’m running out of superlatives to describe them.
Tonight Julie, Suse and Michael open proceedings in front a large shiny triangle, which we’re unsure is part of the night or part of the exhibition currently running in Mono’s well used and well loved walls, regardless it makes a nice centrepiece for what’s to come.
The trio tonight play to a much larger crowd than when we last saw them battling with the headliners at T in the Park, but their set is as flawless as ever as their delighting lo-fi pop drys us out from the torrential showers, as summery gems from their Tuff EP, like ‘Sweet Content’ and ‘Copper’, create an endearing feel good vibe; the perfect fuzzy pop start for a night that was set to get much wilder.
The toasty conditions in Mono coupled with the rainy ones outside aren’t the ideal setting for a show but that doesn’t foil Cardiff’s Joanna Gruesome, Wales’ latest hot ticket and tour buddies for Perfect Pussy are in Glasgow to impress and their set more than does them justice.
It’s a set with a few contradictions, at points they sound almost twee when Alanna McArdle’s sweet tones shimmer over some hooky indie pop melodies, but then they let loose with with blasts of noise as she stomps, screams and lets go of those sugar coated ideals.
It’s engrossing stuff and an ideal prelude to the noise assault that’s to come, as the Gruesome’s lure you in with sweeties before going for the jugular, then they catch you out by doing the same again, it’s thick and fast stuff, as are all three sets tonight, and adds to the building volume and tone of the evening.
Perfect Pussy are hot on everyone’s lips just now, and it’s not just because of their brash, almost brilliant name that has shy music fans talking in whispered tones to not cause uncomfort in the room; their album, Say Yes To Love, is a searing intense burst of unrelenting noise with almost endearing pop melodies hidden underneath with frontwoman Meredith Graves’ heart on the line stories.
Live it’s even more difficult to decipher Graves’ words, but you get the feeling that, although you can get then written down, they were never really designed to be sung back, instead the band let the intensity do the talking and it’s a powerful performance as the Syracuse four-piece deliver a rousing set that takes hardcore pretences and lights a bright life affirming fire beneath them.
Graves, who sports a tight blond crop, is the focal point and she skips around the stage swinging her arms as if in joyous abandon before driving her shouted and yelped vocals at the crowd as if forcing every unintelligible word into their faces.
It’s a short, yet breathtaking set and as Graves leaves the stage singing the praises of her “favourite band” Joanna Gruesome, Perfect Pussy prove they are much more than just a controversial name.
Words: Iain Dawson
Photos: Warrick Beyers
