PWR BTTM have started a movement.
After just one album and a handful of visuals, the New York-based duo have amassed a cult following that sees tonight’s venue packed full of eager, glitter-strewn fans. There’s an unmistakable freedom in the air; posers are cast aside for earnest admirers, who flock to the front of the stage before the support act have even begun. Queer punks The Spook School are the perfect candidates to open proceedings, performing songs all about non-conforming and lost love, their uncompromising energy is relentlessly infectious and undeniably uplifting. The perfect introduction to an evening all about self-love.
PWR BTTM are wondrously charming and personable, speaking of their time in Europe and poking fun at their American-ness. Before they play a single note, they announce tonight to be a safe space – no moshing, no pushing and ensuring everyone takes care of each other. Performing cuts from debut album ‘Ugly Cherries’, the songs are given a rawness that makes the hooks on tracks like ‘Serving Goffman’ and ‘West Texas’ even more determined, as Hopkins and Bruce’s interchanging vocals sound as powerful as ever.
They treat us to a few new songs, which further proves PWR BTTM’s ability to merge poignant and powerful lyricism with straight-up banging riffs. The excitement becomes too much during ‘Carbs’ and PWR BTTM stop the song mid-way to ensure the moshing ceases. A band that takes care of their audience this much is a unique and precious gift.
During a year that has felt lonely, dark and hopeless, PWR BTTM are a ray of light that makes being yourself – and loving who you are – the most powerful act of protest. Life-affirming and wholly original in their output, PWR BTTM are nourishment for the soul in a world that only wants to shut you down.