I feel like I’ve been chasing Ty Segall for years, clashed dates, life getting in the way, but tonight I finally catch him. He’s perhaps not a name known to the masses in this country, but I assure you, this American lad is a bit of a genius. It was 2012’s Twins album, already his sixth, that really got me hooked and there’s now a massive arsenal of songs to pack into the set in New Century. He leans on the latest Three Bells, which I’ve not really had chance to dive into, so I feel a little excited to be in the room for their live debut in the UK. It’s close to sold out in this near perfect gig space. Nice wide room, decent air conditioning, a strong 5G connection and a ceiling that changes colours while you wait for the bands. What more could you want! I’m running a bit late as usual, so I’m not in the room long before the cheer that welcomes Ty and his band (The Freedom Band) to the stage. As soon as ‘The Bell’ starts my entire body relaxes. It’s blissful psych rock instantly putting you at ease, before the massive wigout kicks in. It’s amusing to watch all the heads switch pace in bobbing as this intricate opener twists. The guitars sound glorious as they rip into ‘Void’ the keyboards too are sublime, but fuck me the rhythm section are tight. Mikal on bass and Charles on drums, they control all the timing and trust me that’s important here. These songs are spirally. It’s a proper dark trip. I’m already losing myself. This is all about the vibe as some dirty riffs kick off ‘I Hear’. It’s pure rock n roll. Meaty, nasty, brilliant. Ty throwing his blonde locks around as he pulls pure magic from his guitar. Even Ben on keys is looking on in awe. A layer of psychedelia is never far away, occasional with a dash of funk. The idea seems to lull us into a comforting haze, before walloping the senses with stuff like ‘Breakfast Eggs’, a monolithic stomper set to stoner lighting. ‘Whisper’ does let up though. Ushered in via a wall of feedback reminding me of my last gig in here, before hooky licks bludgeon us all into a blubbering euphoria. ‘My Head Explodes’ slows things down a touch, but it still hits hard. “We’re here to play rock n roll for you”, no shit! It’s raucous. ‘Goodbye Bread’ sounds like a good ol boys blues band playing at a dusty roadhouse, but make no mistake, the best version of that you can imagine. Imaginary. They’re bloody good fun, going full gonzo with distorted guitars and Doors-eaque keys on ‘Imaginary Person’ and there’s screams of joy as they launch into ‘Girlfriend’. I’m staring to think this is making an early claim for gig of the year! It’s Ty’s name on these songs, but he doesn’t take centre stage, off to one side, there’s a real sense that bringing this to life is a shared experience. One that we’re part of too. ‘My Room’ is a sprawling epic. Underpinned with a slight shoegaze darkness, but topped with the blasts of psych that pack this set. I knew this would be good, but this is really is ridiculous. Watching Ben is hilarious. He knows what’s coming during ‘Wait’. Watching Ty waiting to pull the trigger on the Nirvana riffs. The amazing thing is though, although they’re pulling in lots of stuff, it’s sounds like nothing else. Quite a feat! By the time we get to the pure America of ‘Looking at You’, I’m a puddle of joy. It’s magnificent stuff. It’s also got bloody hot in here. After closing my eyes and completely losing myself during ‘Denée’. I’m a little shocked by the lights signaling the encore break. I do have a favourite, but I’m resigned not to hear it tonight. Thankfully the tease of Stairway to Heaven doesn’t materialise. Instead we get the pop harmonies of a song a can’t identify. Maybe it’s my frustration not being able to think what it’s called, but it does pass me by a little, although Emmett does get some glorious solo time on guitar. I’m sure it’s on Twins. The finale is the grunge bombast of ‘Melted’ which is brilliant, but honestly after 90 minutes I’m still left wanting more. Expectations were high and easy suppressed. Incredible!!
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