Exclamation Pony + This Many Boyfriends

Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen – 19^th February 2013

Exclamation Pony are unfortunate in being preceded by the witty intelligent indie rock of This Many Boyfriends. Still, Ryan Jarman should know how good they are – he produced their album. Regrettably for him they set the bar at a height that Exclamation Pony simply can’t reach.

When they take the stage Ryan screams his way through the first song, but generally their material isn’t that different from The Cribs, perhaps with a hint of The Lemonheads at their most stoned thrown in. Jen Turner plays some great lead lines, and  they could well be the most erotic rock ‘n’ roll couple since Lux Interior and Poison Ivy of The Cramps.

“The Only One” is particularly kick-ass, and there’s a surprising cover of The Beatles’ “Julia”. However, whilst this is entertaining and a great deal of fun, it’s not particularly special, which with a bit more effort it could be. They’re a bit pissed and having a good time, and with the amount of goodwill coming from the audience it’s a bit like watching your mates’ band playing a pub.

Ryan Jarman has been hinting in the press that this new band may well replace The Cribs in his affections and priorities. Maybe this gig will make him think again. Love may be blind, but it needn’t necessarily be deaf.

                                                                                                      Mark Kelly