LIVE REVIEW: All Tvvins at Whelan's

One of the many pleasures of regular gig going is stumbling upon new artists playing the support slots. So when All Tvvins advised (via Twitter) an early arrival tonight I took note. Plenty of others had too; it’s only 8pm and space is already at a premium.
First up is The Cast Of Cheers bassist and brother of Conor Adams, Neil, with his Extra Fox project. Adams’ high-energy, sprawling pieces blend pulsating, noir electronica with bright, whimsical melodies. If David Lynch and Wes Anderson ever collaborated, this Dubliner would provide the perfect soundtrack.
Swedish musician Raindear comes next. Shape-shifting vocals, intricate synth, cleverly deployed theremin sounds and pre-recorded beats all combine to celestial, otherworldly effect. Think Fever Ray meets FKA Twigs in a forest and you’ll be close.
By the time All Tvvins take to the stage, the place is wedged and buzzing with anticipation. Everyone knows this pair’s pedigree. This has to be a good show.
All Tvvins draw from a wide spectrum of sounds. On one side you’ve got Lar Kaye (of Adebisi Shank and No Spill Blood fame) violently wielding his guitar and tweaking at a table lavished with electronic equipment. Kaye’s output is as you’d expect: loud, aggressive and totally engaging. To the right there’s Conor Adams (frontman from The Cast Of Cheers) laying down deep, groovy basslines, processed vocals and killer lyrics. On paper it doesn’t seem the most likely of pairings, but in a live setting – aided by the excellent Lewis Hedigan on sticks – All Tvvins is a collaboration that works beautifully.
The duo set pulses racing early doors with an explosion of snarling, synth-like guitars, pounding drums and confident attitude. And when bona fide current hit ‘Thank You’ arrives three songs in, the energy jumps another notch. With Kaye’s guitar endlessly squealing and Adam’s groovy bass and vocal delivered with panache, the track – which recently premiered on Zane Lowe’s show – sounds even better live.
That momentum is kept up right through the set, with the excellent ‘Know Good’ and the Foals-like ‘Two Worlds’ worthy of special mention.
With a debut album still to come, All Tvvins keep it tight, wrapping up after nine tracks. All-in-all, another impressive demonstration of the duo’s mouthwatering potential.