It’s a brave move naming an uncompromising post punk band The Lounge Society. It’s the kind of band name you might associate with a solid well cooked, easy to chew dinner for the wrinkled; prawn starter, chicken main, chocolate pudding and then a band offering a reimagining of the hits of yesteryear done smooth with a bit of gentle sax. “Here’s your band tonight fresh off a spell entertaining on the Queen Mary, it’s The Lounge Society, give them a warm welcome”. It will be a one-way ticket to Zurich before that happens to me, dear reader.

Of course, I had an inkling that The Lounge Society wasn’t going to slip into a smooth jazzy “I Just Called To Say…” given they were the support to Warmduscher at the mighty Parish in Huddersfield, but neither were I tempted given that name to spend a few minutes checking them out beforehand. Thus, it was an absolute clusterfuk to confront the wild assault on the senses that marked The Lounge Society’s sparky performance.

My notes of the gig simply read: “Iggy (Stooges) meets Mark E Smith meets Hawkwind meets The Who meets David Byrne”.

I’ll be honest; I was there because my mate loves Warmduscher and I’ve dragged him off to see a load of my preferences over recent months. Warmduscher aren’t totally my thing although totally proficient (if I’m honest, average drumming though). It says something that on reflecting on the evening although my bud loved the main event, he was more blown away by the young upstarts.

We are also going to see Working Mens Club at the Parish shortly and in terms of the big voice, quirky stage presence and that uncompromisingly heavy but funkish tinge, there are similarities. Of course, both bands are also influenced by the bohemian hippyish feel of Hebden Bridge and that local area. That said, while my note of the gig came up with some bands that The Lounge Society kind of remind me of, they have a rare quality: uniqueness. Not many bands turn up the pressure on the audience with a series of long repeated rhythms and lose their singer in a bout of primal screaming. If that sounds unbearable then think again; it’s a hard listen not an impossible one, and you are well rewarded by your efforts.

The band are a group of 16/17 year olds and they seem mature and headstrong beyond their years.

During the performance the band’s slender boyish forms were accentuated by the billowing suits and shirts they were wearing. I’m not knocking it, one of my huge regrets is losing my 9 stone body for an unruly belly that overhangs my trousers. Never fall in love with food.

The Lounge Society lead singer Cam added interest by having a quirky knee up pose while singing, and an air of vulnerability and ownership was struck at one point by hugging his guitar close to his chest while challenging his audience with eyes burning bright. It seemed to say: “All I have is my music, and I’m not going to let it go for anyone”.

On this showing I need to see The Lounge Society live again and fast. I have no doubt this band is going to rise to headline status before many months are seen. The Lounge Society are next playing support at Yes Manchester (lovely venue) on 28th February (The Wants), 13th (Blanketman) and 14th March (La Mode and Legss4). There’s also support to Julia Bardo at Halifax Orange Box on 28th March.

Chris R