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Preen are storytellers; clever lyricists with a warmth and classic sound that seem to have been inspired by the likes of The Beatles, alongside more modern influences such as Big Thief and Aldous Harding. Their stuff is gorgeous – timeless and effortlessly melodic.It’s clear that the three voices of Robin Finetto, David Lawton and Evie Tarr are at the centre of pretty much everything Preen do. I’m interested in their songwriting process, and whether they write around their harmonies – because it certainly feels like the vocal melodies might come first.
Back to tonight’s setlist, it’s crammed full of Preen’s singles and what appears to be their substantial unreleased catalogue.
‘English Sun’, one of the first songs they ever wrote together, is definitely a fan favourite. Other highlights include the moody ‘I Know’ and an unnamed track inspired by the person who voiced answering machines across the US. The standout of the night, however, has to be ‘Face Down In The Pool’ – a brilliant track Tarr wrote about an episode of Midsomer Murders.
After a good few minutes of us all calling for “one more song”, the five musicians onstage look expectantly towards the back of the room – a dark shadow shrugs their shoulders and admits that there isn’t time. Curfew is curfew, so Preen begin to pack up – but not before reassuring us that they’ll be back soon. Let’s hope so.
I had the best time tonight and can say for certain that Preen’s Liverpool debut was one of the coolest gigs I’ve been to.
FROM THE GIG PIG, LIVERPOOL
+ Two recent OMS cover stars MAZAWATTEE with debut album release imminent and PREMIUM LEISURE playing from new EP 'PEA'.
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Event venue
The Handle Bar Cafe and Kitchen, Bike Zone, 28-32 St Michael Street,Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.