Little Matador LIVE @ The Black Heart, Camden 26.3.14

Little matador is the brainchild and newest project of Snow Patrol ‘s lead guitarist, Nathan Connolly. Somewhat of an Irish supergroup, Little Matador, is made up of musicians from the aforementioned Snow Patrol as well as Idlewild, Bell X1 and LaFaro. Any images, or more importantly sounds, that may have been conjured up from that previous sentence can be left at the door as there is not a soppy love ballad or indie anthem in sight.

What may give you some insight into the sound that is being generated in Camden this eve is the fact that Little Matador have previously supported QOTSA, Jimmy Eats World, Nine Inch Nails and, by the time you are reading this, Band of Skulls. All of these bands go some way to outlining the raw, scuzzy and full on attitude-bearing sound that rattle the walls of The Black Heart this evening. Tonight’s showcase, as well as the support slot for Band of Skulls, serve as a warm up for the headline tour they are about to embark on.

The intimate venue is treated to a professional set up and sound that isn’t usually expected in the top room of a North London boozer. It is easy to realise that the musicians, that make up the band, have got years of touring experience between them as the sound is truly rib shaking and they do not cut the ever so familiar shape of a freshly taped together band with little live experience.

The band kick off the set as they mean to go on, full throttle, scuzzy rock music. As the night continues it is easy to understand the influences, outside of their respective bands, that bring them together. The crowd are treated to a number of tracks from the impending album as well as newly released single ‘Stitch Yourself Up’ which all sound fresh, raw and newly regenerated enthusiasm. Crowd participation is high on Connolly’s agenda as he interacts with the crowd and even shares a bottle of whiskey with us. These guys are clearly enjoying themselves and it’s easy to see the shackles are well and truly off from the day job.

Watch out for Little Matador in 2014 and if you’re lucky enough to catch them, hold onto your hats.