Perched on top of a table in the corner of a small bar in Sheffield, Widowspeak, a young, talented, indie-pop duo from Brooklyn, look right at home. The poster couple bring their own nuances to independent music with their 90’s shoegaze, ethereal sound.
Their opening song pours into the room, with patient guitar hooks and haunting vocals. Guitarist and vocalist Molly Hamilton is endearing throughout, especially on Ballad of the Golden Hour, which really showcases the pairs song-writing talent.
The versatile guitar lines between Hamilton and Thomas create a tangible compromise of hippy idealism and the spirit of good old rock n' roll.
Widowspeak signed to independent record label Captured Tracks in New York, which has nurtured and developed the rise of luminescent music by signing bands such as Wild Nothing, DIIV and Mac Demarco. They released their debut album of the same name, just a year after forming.
Without a band behind them, the performance feels slow and slight. The showmanship is stripped down to bare minimum. But it's edgy and it's cool. I mean, what do you expect from a small independent band, who are said to be touring entirely on trains with just their guitars on their backs?
The Dark Age combines infectious guitar riffs with romanticized, melancholic lyrics. The highlight of the performance is the arrival of one of their latest singles, Thick as Thieves, which feels both empowering and nostalgic. The crowd, swaying in time, are drinking in every word.
Minnewaska provides a meshing of warm folk-tinged guitar licks and enchanting vocals. The set closes with Storm King, another melancholic number which stops suddenly and echoes throughout the room.
Bungalows and Bears are always known for putting on cool live music, especially over Tramlines weekend. Sure, there are tonnes of bands who sound great live but Widowspeak's performance was honest and raw. I wouldn't be surprised if they're on the bill plenty more festival line-ups in the years to come.
** Please note: This post has been added and back-dated to the original time of publishing. Originally published by Sheffield Unchained. I thought you still might like to read it. **
