We featured Manchester electro-poppers Swiss Lips not long ago, mesmerised in particular by 'U Got The Power' and 'Grow' - two of just a handful of tracks that are online. Not long after, they signed a four album deal(!) with Sony subsidiary, Epic Records. I popped down to one of their first London gigs, at the intimate Water Rats in King's Cross.
I arrived in time to catch the last couple of songs from a young band called Heavy Hearts. They rather reminded me of another female-fronted guitar pop band, Kids Love Lies but with a broader array of influences including math-pop and shoegaze. Already mature beyond their years and impressively competent, keep an eye out for Oundle's best band. (Probably.)
Despite an online veil as regards to their identities, Swiss Lips weren't pulling off a Slipknot or a Gorillaz here. Which pleased me. Indeed, even the relatively short five song set proved pleasing. The band played impressively tightly, for the most part, with the only obvious error being missing a vocal cue in a previously unheard song whose intro ironically reminded me of 'An Honest Mistake' by The Bravery.
Another new track was played, built around a balearic synth line but with a new wave chorus, as well as the prerequisite electro-pop vibes of the likes of Foster The People and Passion Pit. The other three tracks comprised the online demos of 'Danz', 'U Got The Power' (download it here) and 'Grow' - none of them disappointing in the live environment. If anything, they sounded even bigger and more thrilling live.
This was perhaps their debut public London gig (my fact-checking skills are coming up a bit short here) but regardless, very promising signs. All being well, they will be a firm fixture on the 2013 summer festival scene. If not sooner.
Find more info on Heavy Hearts at Facebook and Swiss Lips at swisslips.com.
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