Review: Goldhawks @ The Camden Barfly 

Date: 16th June 2010

Reviewed by: Jonathan Campbell
  
Just where in the world have those Goldhawks been? 
  
All over the UK as it happens, on a rescheduled mini-tour in preparation of a hectic festival season. And to wrap things up before heading south over the Summer (well, Ibiza Rocks) the Goldhawks touched down in Camden for one more show. 
  
The popular Barfly franchise in the heart of London's indie music scene is the setting for tonight's performance, with its tight lines and intimate atmosphere providing an apt space for any young group looking to connect with their fans. 
  
Support tonight came from the LA five piece Funeral Party, who have been supporting Goldhawks on their travels and seem to deal exclusively in white boy lyrics wrapped around catchy melodies. They're a vaguely pretentious bunch, with Funeral Party's frontman affecting something like an English drawl whilst performing and guitarists taking it in turns to use speakers as impromptu platforms whilst cranking out riffs. 
  
But these American imports inject enough energy into their live show to convince us their name is more than just bravado. And as the crowd thins out once Funeral Party finish their set, it's clear they have a loyal following. 
  
At least this makes it simpler to get a better view of Goldhawks. Like their support act, Goldhawks have settled on a musical make up that is de rigeur for indie bands nowadays; with a sound consisting of guitars, drums, keyboards and anthemic lyrics. Their music is reminiscent of modern day Kings of Leon and there sure are worse bands to sound like. 
  
Still, what I enjoyed most about early Kings records was that you could hear where they were from - indeed their very heart - in their slightly idiosyncratic music. It was this that set them apart from their peers, and it's hard to discern exactly what Goldhawks have that will set them apart from an overpopulated indie rock scene. 
  
Perhaps lead singer Bobby Cook, who has more than a hint of Bono syndrome about him, will provide this. 
  
He seems to possess an inflated sense of importance, most notably when gesturing for the crowd to be quiet for the Goldhawks' slow song, 'Keep The Fire'. It takes him another couple of seconds to realise he hasn't plugged his guitar back in. 
  
As for the Goldhawks, while their music didn't stir anything lasting in me, it wouldn't surprise me to see them soar.

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