Auckland rockers Cut Off Your Hands have been creating jangly music for only the last two years, although they have been touring almost constantly leaving a trail of fans everywhere they go, and they go everywhere... Tonight, at Warwick University’s very own “Tempo” Nightclub, COYH play fulfil every expectation, a singer with a long fringe, some extremely expressive dancing (or contortions) and of course, many, many checked shirts.
In fairness, the crowd was thin and the drinks few, singer Nick Johnston even commented sarcastically “This is the best crowd we’ve ever played to”, perhaps not the best incentive to play a good live show. Nonetheless (and notoriously as per usual), Nick and the band pulled out all the stops, justifiably trying to make the most of it, singles “Oh Girl” and “Still Fond” come out trumps, showing the band at their best.

Catchy guitar riffs and backing vocals prove that these are songs to sing along too. Crowd pleaser “Still Fond” doesn’t technically disappoint, however, the lack of crowd interaction made by Johnston leaves what could be the perfect song to get the crowd involved, cold and stiff. Unfortunately, as with many bands circling around the UK within the last few years, Cut Off Your Hands can’t avoid creating extremely similar sounding songs, a good live band the first time you see them yes, but twice? Perhaps rather too repetitive, too abrasive, and, a band one too many for an already overpopulated touring genre.

By Charlotte Austin

www.myspace.com/cutoffyourhands