Gig review: Zeal/Teeff/Tooth and Nail

IT was another night at The Library's 360 Club that saw three bands put on an engaging evening.

Zeal provided the undercard before the main event between Teeff and Tooth and Nail (hopefully, the orthodontic theme was coincidental as the idea of medically themed rock gigs is a concern “…and now it’s Gastroenteritis!”).

Teeff - in action at the 360 Club. Picture courtesy of Teeff/Sarah Oglesby

placeholder image — Teeff - in action at the 360 Club. Picture courtesy of Teeff/Sarah Oglesby

Zeal lived up to their name. Their singer, resplendent in a red smoking jacket and mask throughout, delivered material reminiscent of swampy Cramps sounds to rockabilly and the theatricality of the Darkness. They were tight and went down well.

There are many successful two-piece bands – White Stripes, The Kills and Royal Blood. To work, they have to overcome the sonic limitations of two instruments, while having an energy onstage that captivates the audience.

Teeff, in action at the 360 Club last week. Picture courtesy of Teeff/Sarah Oglesby.

Teeff achieved this to a greater extent than Tooth and Nails. Both delivered original material with aplomb, but it was Teeff who offered the more interesting soundscape.

Guitarist Alex was a whirling Dervish of energy in the band’s first Leeds gig, adding to their burgeoning live reputation in Sheffield, with a number of fans travelling up from South Yorkshire.

Both bands offered cover versions. Tooth and Nail paid tribute to Chris Cornell of Soundgarden, while Teeff’s high energy cover of ‘Walk Like An Egyptian’ was excellent.

But overall it came down to the original material on offer, the best tracks of the evening by some distance being Teeff’s ‘Captain Vere’ and ‘White Pudding’ Definitely worth checking out.