Still Corners – XOYO, London 09/05/13

London’s Still Corners go somewhat quietly about their business. They have followed-up their 2010 debut Creatures Of An Hour with another, more intricate, 80s-infused record that feels like the natural progression a good sophomore should.

The duo belong to the ever-impressive Sub Pop family and perhaps deserve more attention than they enjoy, due to their heady mix of cerebral, and at times downright haunting, style.

Marrying Greg Hughes’s intuitive songwriting with the soaring, breathy vocals of Tessa Murray, they have quite effortlessly slipped into more catchy territory with, the suitably titled, Stange Pleasures, and celebrated its release with a string of UK shows before they join CHVRCHES across America.

XOYO provides the home for the London leg of their journey and, following support from the stunning ambience of Woman’s Hour, a flickering projection welcomes the four to the stage, accompanied by loyal cheers of excitement; it’s an eye-catchingly satisfying set from the outset as these visuals flood the back-drop.

They may occupy the dream-pop bracket, but it’s a label that doesn’t tell the whole live story; thundering, massively impressive real drums dominate early songs with intricate, dancing rhythms really showing flashes of their new, more up-tempo style. ‘Berlin Lovers’, with its fuzzy synth bass line, is an early highlight.

Similarly, the whirring organ of tracks like ‘Cuckoo’ and the FX-heavy guitar in the wonderfully euphoric ‘Fireflies’, show their versatility and highlight Murray’s faultless live voice, while glistening keys add brightness to the moments of gloom in older numbers.

The impressive performance is so well thought-out, with the aforementioned visuals and cold blue lights neatly matching the different waves of sound. The set feels entirely professional and, although their genre maybe saturated, they’ve perfectly cornered their market.