Charlie Boyer and the Voyuers Live at Rough Trade East, 30th May

Charlie Boyer and the Voyeurs are an intriguing new band from London who recently released their debut album 'Clarietta'.  They bring to us a lovely mixture of grinding guitars and a bellowing organ which has been said to be the sound of 'seventies New York', whatever that means.

I was lucky enough to get my space right down the front of the stage of Rough Trade East as the lights were turned off and the band assembled themselves onstage.  It's a very cramped space, especially with the five of them and all their gear.  There was Charlie Boyer on vocals and guitar, Danny Stead on bass, Sam Davies on guitar, Ross Kristian with the keys and Samir Eskanda on drums bringing up the rear.

Charlie Boyer and Danny Stead

They seem to be a very humble bunch, even when onstage.  Despite their so called connections with glam rock, there's no jumping about or messing around; they just stand and play - obviously influenced by their shoegaze heritage -, and I like that.  Their set only consisted of seven or eight songs (including singles 'Be Glamorous' and 'Things We Be', as well as 'The Central Tonne' which is not often played at gigs), ending in about thirty minutes - Sam had previously told me this was because they "don't want to bore you".  But they do everything but, and despite the terrible acoustics in Rough Trade, they manage to create a wonderfully raw and exciting sound. 

The setlist

The band obviously have talent and skill, and deserve to be noticed and appreciated.  They're leading the 'guitar revolution of 2013' which I've heard so much about, along with acts like Miles Kane, Palma Violets, Peace and their good friends Toy.  So hurry along and bag some tickets - Charlie's sweet high notes and Ross' infectious banging on the keys will be enough to convince you that they're worth it.

From left: Danny, Ross, Sam, Samir, myself and Charlie