Hotline TNT // The Garage London

Walls of sound build up a cathartic evening

★★★★☆ (4/5)

Press image by: Graham Tolbert

Shoegaze fans travelled to the Garage in London to catch New York sonic experience Hotline TNT. Fronted by guitarist and singer Will Anderson, the band turned the renowned venue into a masterclass of controlled chaos. A shuddering wall of fuzz and feedback that teetered right up to the edge of being overwhelming but instead remained deeply cathartic for the enthralled audiences

With impressive clarity, the band translated their shoegaze-inspired recordings into a visceral experience that rattled the room from floor to ceiling, pulling the audience into a typhoon of blinding lights and sonic storms.

Even before they set foot on stage, there was a palpable excitement in the crowd as they awaited Hotline TNT. As the four-piece made their way onstage, a salvo of cheers gave a glimpse at the high-octane audience reception that was to come.

Opening with the psychedelic “The Scene” set an appropriate tone for the evening. With the trippy melody swathed in expansive, guitar-driven sound.

Every song in the set served to prove the band's musical prowess. With a medley of sonic textures and melodies being blanketed in a shoegaze crunch.

Songs like “Julia’s War” approached a Pixies-like pop chorus with the repeated “Na na na’s” being bellowed by both the band and the audience. The attack of “Candle” allowed the band to cut loose across a stunning blend of spiked riffs and lush rhythm guitar.

The set list contained tracks from the various albums, projects and eps that the band have released. Their latest release “Raspberry Moon” made up the largest section alongside tracks from the iconic “Cartwheel”. Closing out the set with the epic “Where U Been” which saw the band produce mammoth sounds which were still surprisingly tender.

Leaving for a brief interlude, fan chants of “One more song” brought the band back to the stage for an encore. Playing fan favourites and requests, it was clear that the band were deeply appreciative of the hundreds that attended this sonic sermon. Drawing the evening to a close with the propulsive “Trinity”, the band big farewell with cathartic thundering of drums and ethereal guitars.

Hotline TNT’s music and tour dates can be found: Here

Review By: Sam McNaughton