The Noisettes - NME/Radio 1 stage

The Noisettes certainly know how to make an entrance. As bass player Shingai Shoniwa appeared on stage with an element of grandiose, decked out in a feather headdress, you could be forgiven for thinking this band were all about display. But they soon proved they didn’t need gimmicks. From the word go Jamie Morrison thrashed out a thundering drum beat, displaying an insatiable hunger for rhythm which took over the NME/Radio 1 Stage. 

As he hit the crowd with even more at every song, Morrison’s pounding held the entire set together. And as Dan Smith peppered Don’t Give Up with impressive guitar riffs the tent oozed with delight. Only mid-set did the effects of mid-festival fatigue begin to show in the crowd as the Noisettes started to dry up on variety. Digging deeper, Shoniwa swiftly answered the call for something different, leaping off the stage towards the barrier. The shrill songstress commanded the immediate attention of the crowd – as well as the two security guards who lifted her up as she reignited the tent with an impressive rich vocal performance. 

A curious blend of punk, rock and 60s swing followed in songs from the band’s current and debut album, What’s The Time Mr Wolf? showing they are definitely something to keep an eye on this year. As the crowd returned Shoniwa’s calls of ‘la la low’ and ‘yea ea ea’ the Noisettes proved they can easily make anyone stand up and take notice.

Claire Carter