good shoes + lo fi culture scene

A little time out of the spot light seems to have done the ‘Shoes some good, as they jovially engage their audience with banter. Getting set to incite some dancing, Rhys declares allocating “2 square metres per person” for the task. The estimate isn’t quite regimented in reality - but then again, actions speak louder than words as they unleash ‘Hometown Glory’ like a tightly wound spring. Despite their self-confessed lack of rehearsal, Good Shoes steam-roller the all-agers with the fuzzy glory of ‘All In My head’, and it’s irresistible cymbal/guitar stabbing. Much of the night is plucked from ‘Think Before You Speak’, but there are delightfully sneaky peeks at filthy new songs. These seem grittier in bass ala Franz, with a dance funk kick and, when Rhys is required to shout over taught guitars and drums, hints of a spiky punk. ‘Small Town Girl’, ‘Wait’ and ‘Morden’ are all thrown out like jokers in a killer pack and act to seal a perfectly punctual, melodious and thoughtful set. Crisp and set with perma-grins throughout, Good Shoes are clearly in their element live, as they breath new life into the mundanity of modern life. *PHOTO BY WILL FORTNA