Camden Crawl Review – Bleech

When making comparisons with other bands, it’s hard to get past the fact that Bleech are two-thirds female, but whatever, it has to be done: it’s apparent right from opener ‘Animals’ that sisters Jennifer and Katherine O’Neill are far more Debbie Harry than Abi Harding (The Zutons, Saxaphone, that one).

Their songs however, while heavily Britpop-influenced, carry all the necessary ingredients that could see them become modern teen-trauma classics. The anthemic shared chorus on current single ‘Is It True That Boys Don’t Cry’ echoes Elastica, with a big enough nod to contemporary indie such as The Subways and Babyshambles.

‘The Worthing Song’ is the band’s optimum point of the set, and sees the pair complement each other perfectly: Lead singer and guitarist Jennifer, hidden by her hair almost like Slash, plays and sings with an tremendously high intensity level, while Katherine prances around barefoot, flashing her peroxide hair every so-often, but nevertheless maintaining elegance.

Underworld has seen more riotous crowds, sure, but the vibe is a positive one, especially when the slower, stoner-rock like ‘Flowerhands’ is played, showing a more tender side to their songwriting. Matt Bick’s razor sharp drumming is showcased in ‘Dancing Without You’.

With each song containing a re-listenable quality that is hard to find with many bands young bands, Bleech certainly have a niche in the market. It is certainly hard to think of anything like their heavy, yet resonating brand of indie, while Jennifer’s vocals give the three-piece enough edge to secure their future.