Outl4w - Subverse at the Underworld, Camden
Am I the only one to feel this way or does it seem a little disturbing when lads with an average age of around 14 stand on stage shouting and swearing down a microphone in an aim to entertain. This was the thought that ran through my mind as Outl4w took to the stage at Subverse.
I was utterly shocked in more ways than one on this account. First, was the foul-mouthed language coming from four teenage boys. Take the track ‘Sonic Youth’ for example. “We don’t care about what you say, we don’t give a f*** about you anyway, to us you’re just a load of bull s**t” how…poetic coming from guitarist (Jack Bentham) who looked around 11, lead singer Rob Bentham 15, bassist Will Bentham and the eldest Stuart Newburn hiding behind a drum kit. What must the parents have been thinking letting their children do something like this? If I were swearing in front of my parents this young I would have had my mouth washed out with soap!
Ok enough about their age and more focus on what this industry should be about, the music. I must give credit where credit is due. They may be one of the youngest bands I’ve heard of in the music scene recently but these four lads sure know how to play; the talent was dripping off them like ice cream on a summer’s day. Their stage presence was full of enthusiasm and confidence; they had the poise and ability of someone who had been in the industry for years. Their single due for release next month will truly show how talented they are.
Their vocal abilities may need a little work, there were a few instances where difficulty amplifying their vocals occurred, but they are young and have plenty of time to develop this. Their harmonies did however shine alongside the music. The shouting of vocals took awhile to get used to, but it was probably the best and easiest way for them to project their voice to a roomful. Singing rather than shouting should be given consideration in the future though.
Music shouldn’t be about attitude and having to look and sound the part as these lads may have been led to believe. Regardless of age and experience, they have all the musical skills required to make an impact on the world.
Track to be taken notice of: -
'Sonic Youth'