Free Energy @ Monto Water Rats, London

“On the way driving over here, we heard ourselves on Radio 1; that blows my mind!”, says a bright eyed Paul Sprangers by way of introduction to Free Energy’s second jaunt around London. Having just released the James Murphy-produced Stuck On Nothing, there is visible naivety in the band tonight, as well as audible.

Loud and bright, tracks like ‘Bang Pop’ provide the room with a gentle shuffle, but it’s sickly sweet youthful grooves that have Sprangers and go sounding more like Doctor and The Medics stuck in a 70s semi-love-in of Water Rats back room.

This notion is furthered by the feather stuck in the neck of the lead guitar, which bobs side to side as Scott Wells prangs some sweet licks. ‘Light Love’ rebounds with the fresh-faced lyrics, uncomplicated but soloed to the hilt. Initially it’s bearable, feeding on the energy of the audience, where the hooks translate from their obvious influences and we’re thankful that spirits are high.

But after a half hour of wholesome sounds, a repetitive politeness reflects back on the band. They’re moving around with far more meaningfulness than the crowd and some questionable hand movements from the singer accompany their debut single ‘Free Energy’. As a show of affection for classic rock the evening could pass with merit, rather than a revivalism. For all their heart-on-sleeve exuberance and carefree chimes, Free Energy don’t try to be clever: to their credit. But clever usually warrants a second listen.

Perhaps London has too much of an affinity with cynicism, or maybe it’s just me, but there is far too much optimism and “come on” imbedded in this music to really strike a nerve.