The Strange Death of Liberal England @ Cabaret Voltaire

Here's a dark little ditty warns Y'all Is Fantasy Island's Adam Stafford, before detuning his guitar to what might be termed a macabre setting. The two sides to this 'thrash/minimalist' four-piece are gradually showcased with tonight's suitably schizophrenic set. The aforementioned "dark little ditty", These Are The Days and the punchy forthcoming single With Handclaps, offer the highlights from either end of their disordered spectrum. Combined with stream-of-consciousness style lyrics that veer from inspired to puzzling, Y'all Is Fantasy Island continue their compelling trip down a dark psyche lane. Emerging with a large name-bearing placard, tonight's audience are left in no doubt that The Strange Death of Liberal England have invaded the stage. Bursting into the dramatic, flailing Oh Solitude only bolsters the feeling of organised chaos. Tales of apocalyptic post-rockers with a glossy pop smear are lost on these ears, though on their final offering you can imagine Godspeed lurking around in the venue's dark corners. Ultimately though, their sound is closer to, say it quietly, Arcade Fire. Throughout the night the more standard placard fare of Repent Repent looms over the audience. See The Strange Death of Liberal England while you can, or take heed of those words. [Darren Carle]