If the past two NME Tours diversified with the likes of Magnetic Man and Azealia Banks appearing, then this year's bill reverted to familiar guitar-band ground.
Perhaps not the wisest move, given that the upstairs seating section of the Academy was unoccupied.
The most striking initial aspect of Peace was the bobble hat of their guitarist, but the foursome performed an encouraging set. There were touches of Vampire Weekend present with some Afro-pop rhythms, but showgaze buzzed into view too and there was enough ambition to warrant further attention.
Palma Violets have already received considerable interest, labelled as yet another bunch of guitar-rock saviours. If they're to realise that task the foursome require a better mix, as here it sounded as if someone had poured treacle over their amps. Singers Sam Fryer and Chilli Jesson are adept at performing a Pete Doherty 'n' Carl Barat from the Libertines impersonation, but half the set sounded aimless, and the band fared better when dispensing with any effort at melody and just going for the jugular.
Miles Kane was, perhaps, far better at whipping the crowd up, and chugging versions of You're Gonna Get It and Come Closer were rowdily played and received. Yet for all Kane's encouraging gestures, he remains an efficient rather than a brilliant performer, too excessively indebted to the past to really electrify.
Still, Kane seemed to fit the young audience's desires best, and many headed for the exit as Django Django headlined. Those left were able to gorge on some danceable, experimental tunes, and the utterly magnificent WOR, but it was a performance that lacked the club-like atmosphere it really required.
HHH
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