Live Review: ’68 with People Look Like Dogs & Nine Lives at the New Cross Inn, London (31/08/23)

Yep, there it is. ’68 were amazing. A noise rock duo, the aesthetic of the band is so pleasing to the eye and the sound they make is so addictive. It is an energising and immerse watch, where even a broken string on the guitar in the first 30 seconds can’t stop this being a stunner of a set. We were so impressed, wondering how we had lived our lives not knowing this band before and immediately booking tickets to see them in London upon return.

That is what we wrote about ’68 after seeing them for the first time at ArcTanGent Festival. Was it a ‘one-off’ though? Were we swept up in the festival vibe? Would they be able to capture our imagination over an hour of music compared to the 25-30 minutes that they did at the festival?

The answer is a resounding yes, but before we talk more about ’68, we have to talk about the support bands.

The theme of the night is two-piece bands and noise. First up is Nine Lives, a Welsh garage-punk noise duo that seem a little nervous on stage. The drummer’s mic isn’t too clean and they seem to lack confidence. At least, at first, as after a song or two, they seem to be buoyed by the response from the crowd and really start to get into it. Letting their personalities shine through, making a few jokes, complaining about acid reflux, and blasting out some really strong tunes. They have big riffs, different vocal styles, hefty drumbeats, and so much more. By the end of their 30-minute set, they had thoroughly impressed and set the bar for the night.

Next up is the self-styled ‘cowboycore’ band, People Look Like Dogs. Another two-piece who make an incredible racket with one of their more eclectic shows seen in a while. Eclectic because there is no easy way to define this band. At times, their sound has progressive rock vibes, at others, it’s grind, at others, it’s punk-hardcore, metal, and so much more. It makes for a puzzling watch and listen, albeit fascinating because they are so clearly talented. You really never know what you’re going to get with this band, and the reaction from the crowd in the New Cross Inn tells you a lot about their future prospects.

Though, there is no doubt that everyone is here for ’68. The US-based noise and punk rock duo have been touring the UK throughout August and this is their last stop. Dressed in tuxedos and looking like a wedding band, the pair ooze charisma and charm, while also making an interminable racket. Playing for over an hour, there’s a really personal feel to this show. With the band ready to go on stage, but telling the sound-person that they were going to listen to the last part of the song playing over the speakers, then kick straight into it. Which they did, and the crowd is wild for it.

Fast, frantic, sweaty, and noisy as hell, ’68 live are a very unique experience and it’s fair to say that you need to see them play to really appreciate what they are doing. Two people, two extremely talented people, having a bunch of fun but with a ‘performers’ mentality that gives them an edge.

There’s not much in the way of stage banter, aside from a mid-point talk about an ArcTanGent review that accused them of using backing tracks and the band then proving without a shadow of a doubt, that is not the case. ’68 are all about the tunes, pouring so much energy into their show that they slowly strip down to a more relaxed look. They are the main players of this show and everyone is in awe of what they do here.

The finale, the slow closing out of the set, the vocalist/guitarist stripping down the drum gear as the drummer continues the beat until he’s left with one drum only, is so awesome. From having never heard of this band to seeing them twice in a month and loving both shows, it’s fair to say that ’68 have made their mark.