Deep Tan, Yes (Basement). 28th May 2022

There’s a lot of bands tagged post-post at the moment. I’m guilty of it myself, I do it all the time, but it’s a pretty lazy practice. Labels really don’t help describe a band. Deep Tan are a three headed monster from London. I saw them first last year at Manchester Psych Fest and was enthralled by their Cure-esque sound bouncing around the Ritz’s basement walls. There was only a few singles back then, but they’ve just released a brilliant EP and I’m itching to hear it live. I feel a bit bad though, this is a Now Wave night, which are always brilliant, but after a busy day I arrive only to catch Deep Tan and miss three other bands. I’ve not really heard much from any of them, but The Dream Machine are worth pointing your ears at. To Deep Tan then. They take the stage to it has to be said a disappointingly sparse crowd. It’s a sparse sound though, haunting and what the crowd lack in numbers, they make up for in enthusiasm. Especially the girl in front of me who dances around like she’s possessed. It’s Celeste’s bass isn’t it. It’s fucking marvellous. Laced with a effortless confidence. It’s the bedrock of their sound. Stick those solid drums alongside and the razor sharp guitars over the top and they sound fucking amazing. I’d forgotten that Lucy on drums is from Manchester, but I’m quickly reminded when her Nan and her mate are invited to dance on stage. This is the sort of behaviour that should be encouraged more. It’s a very tight but free sort of sound. Rhythms changing several times through a song. Getting you comfortable in a groove, before an abrupt turn throws you delightfully for a spin down a totally different road. They were brilliant last I saw them and they’re even better tonight. It’s a short set, but there’s a real sense that they’re just getting warmed up. I’ll be back again for sure and hope to find a rammed room.