Memory can often deceive you. For this writer, The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart’s debut album represents a specific time and place, a cycle of indie pop songs that evokes a certain period in my life. However, time marches on—the jeans no longer fit, the trainers have developed leaks, and TikTok continually reshapes our minds.
The good news is that as the years go by, the connections within The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart have only deepened. Tonight, back in London for the first time in what feels like ages, the indie pop legends perform their debut album in its entirety, and we’re pleased to say it remains completely flawless.
With the indefatigable Kip Burman at the helm, the band storms through each performance with the exuberance of a child on a sugar high. The riffs are electrifying, the choruses shine with fervor, and the audience hangs on every word.
The crowd's palpable excitement is evident as the set list—arranged to align with the album's tracks—elicits gasps of surprise. ‘Come Saturday’ is magnificent and anthemic, while ‘Young Adult Friction’ and ‘Stay Alive’ continue to be unmatched blends of Sarah Records’ sentiment and Velocity Girl melodies.
You can’t help but get caught up in the experience. Onstage, Kip reminisces about performing at the nearby Buffalo Bar, which is now sadly closed, and many in the audience raise their hands, indicating they were at that show too. It’s a delightful moment, reflecting unwavering loyalty and the lasting impact these indie pop anthems hold in our lives.
The first set concludes with ‘Gentle Sons’, followed by a well-curated encore showcasing some of their finest work. ‘Belong’ is an outstanding piece of songwriting, while ‘Higher Than The Star’ and ‘Say No To Love’ are delightful nuggets of joy on seven-inch singles.
Closing with the titular ‘The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart’, one can only marvel at the exhilarating enthusiasm shared by both the band and the audience. It's a blur of familiar and new faces, with social media helping to spark a new generation of indie pop fans. It's an incredibly thrilling experience that embraces emotion as a form of rebellion. Delightfully twee, once again.
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Words: Robin Murray
Photo Credit: Annie Powers
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Memory often deceives us. For this writer, The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart's first album is truly a record tied to a specific time and place, embodying indie pop.