So let's get the oh-so simple observations out of the way; a husband and wife duo; from a place in America little
known for it's musical history, i.e. Portland, Oregan. One band member pounds (literally) drums, the other plays
guitar. Does the storty ring a bell? Yes and no. Familiar in as much as the superficial resemblances to the White
Stripes as outlined above, but musically, they stray into a far murkier
territory
The elfin like Anita Robinson wrestles with her guitar to generate a brutal
squall that reminds one of the Brody Dalle quote "Boy don't like it when we
play with their toys, esp. when we do it better"
It not a procession of guitar solo's, far from it; as Kevin savages his drums,
overlaid with the use of supporting "tapes",compounded with the brutally
slicing guitar work of Anita, result in asound that has more in common with
the guitar dominated "Hurricane/Cortez" era of Neil Young
You can begin to understand why these two frequently move (Portland,
Alabama, New York); possibly to absorb new influences and styles, but also
because the are loud; very loud, and heaven help their neighbours
Then they display a nous to indicate that they are more than a one trick
pony, by revealing a more subtle side, reminiscent of the guitar work of
Johnny Cash at his most melancholic, or harmonies based upon a Beach
Boys snippet.
On their first tour in the UK it may have helped to garner the support of an
audience unfamiliar with their works (since 2002) if they introduced each
song especially as the works especially as the majority of tonights crowd
are here for Bobby Conn later. Some of the vocals (Kevin's initially) are so
low in the mix to render them inaudible which could work against them, but through the sheer effort, determination
and the rawness they display, the result is applause that grows louder as the set progresses and the large crowd
realise they like what they are hearing
The new album is entitled "The Heat Can Melt Your Brain" Well tonight the effects certainly distorted it in an
altogether pleasing fashion
Stripes as outlined above, but musically, they stray into a far murkier
territory 
