Review | Ghostcat

by Little Miss B, 26 April 2010. All photography by Rachel Ferriman for The Girls Are.

Ghostcat + Rotkappchen @ Catch 22, Kingsland Road. 

Catch 22 is a strange venue: long and thin, with a small well of space just outside the toilet door, it does not initially present the perfect arena in which to enjoy live music. The acoustics, however, are amazing. Where so many large venues fail, the tiny Catch 22 effortlessly showcases their acts' sonic prowess, leaving us oglers to get on with fighting for a front row vantage point.

Tonight's bill saw riff-heavy The Boicotts open proceedings. Unfortunately The Girls Are arrived a little late (blame the amazing noodles we were tussling with next door) and missed these guys. However, we were fortunate enough to witness the stomping, theatrical electro-madness that was Rotkappchen. We had been due to see this band a few months back at the brilliant L*dyGarden, but due to some air-traffic troubles, we were denied. The long wait proved worth it as this London-based duo floored the crowd with their relentless and spirited surrealist performance. Garbed in eerie Little Red Riding Hood-meets Jester Lycra, Rotkappchen pounded their way through a slick and enigmatic electro-clash set. Drummer Annie O is nothing short of outstanding, and synth-wizard Ian proved his nimble-fingered mettle track after track. As amazing as they were, however, it was slightly curious to see them play at a small venue on a Wednesday evening. Far more suited to a Friday night electro-night, Rotkappchen deserve your attention.

Next up to the plate was Ghostcat. You may have recently seen our 'Introducing' feature on this four-piece, and we are pleased to say they did not disappoint. One member down (bassist Ben had wounded his arm) this rock outfit produced an endless stream of perfectly pitched pop gems. Frontwoman Ali Cat leaped, purred and bounced her way through an up-tempo set, a shock of red lipstick cutting across her beautiful, elfin face. With strut and charisma, she climbed upon (and slipped off) various pieces of equipment, really coming into her own as she set free her inimitable voice. Between songs, her stilted banter hinted at nerves, which merely added to the geeky charm of this band. At moments reminiscent of an early 90's Madonna, at others a baby Karen O, Ali Cat seemed to need to riff off the audience, constantly inciting us to move forward, smile and make some noise. This is another band better suited to a weekend show. Catchy, infectious and very very talented, Ghostcat are ones to keep an eye on.