HINDS // THE CAVES, EDINBURGH
Hinds hit a home run with a showcase of summer pop anthems.
PICTURE: SAM STEPHEN
★★★★☆
The weather outside the Caves in Edinburgh is a torrential winter downpour but inside Hinds mange to treat their audience to a set that brings a sense of summer back through the bands trademark sound.
Before the main event, a powerful set from the support act Sports Team managed to present a band that answered the question; “What if pulp were fronted by Mick Jagger?”. The resulting performance manages to get the crowd in good spirits and after a quick stage set up Hinds emerged and were greeted by an enthusiastic chorus of cheers as they made their way onto the stage.
Currently Hinds have released 2 full length LP's that showcase their sunny and energetic sound that deftly presents low-fi guitar rock with 1960's pop sensibilities. And tonight this sits so well with the audience that they sing and dance along to the songs belted out by the band.
This is aided by a setlist that’s light on slow songs and keeps the tempo and spirits high. Songs such as “Tester”, “British Minds”, “New For You” and “Bamboo” stand out as they hop between the band’s two albums and inspire the crowd to impressive levels of energy for a dreary Wednesday night. Stage diving and crowd surfing are frequent and serve to show how the band manage to cultivate such passion from their fans.
In addition to the original material there are a number of covers that have been released on the bands albums. “Caribbean Moon” (Kevin Ayer) brings a sloppy sing-along vibe and the rocking “Davey Crockett” (Three Headcoats) proves to be a highlight of the show.
A band greater than the sum of its parts their bombastic 90 minute plus set leaves the crowd more than satisfied as they emerge from the tropical escape into the cold of the night.
With live performances like these and the ability to write such catchy pop tunes there's no doubt Hinds will continue to go from strength to strength. If you can catch them on tour make sure you do, they'll add a little sunshine to the winter months.