Live – Lip Critic | Polite Bureaux at Dust

Lip Critic & Polite Bureaux at Dust, Brighton, 2nd September 2024

Dropping in from NYC, Lip Critic came to make some noise and get people moving, and dutifully succeeded in both missions. With a symmetrical set up of two drum kits and two mini synths punching a big sound, their potent mix of thrash-punk, hip-hop and electro-dance music on an industrial scale is fused with elements of humour, fun and even a transient art installation as all four band members play musical statues and hold the frozen pose for much longer than you’d think feasible. A call for audience participation doesn’t always pay off but Brighton gig-regular Fiona was more than up for the challenge, and some fine dance moves were executed alongside vocalist Bret Kaser. Lip Critic’s album Hex Dealer is available now – check it out and give it some Spinal Tap shaped love by turning it up to 11.

Support for the evening came from Brighton’s finest Polite Bureaux. Fronted by Joe Smith, the regularised band line-up of Maya Lili (usually on keys but backing vocals tonight as the synth has temporarily entered into its own game of hide and seek), Viv Maher (bass) and Connor Griffiths (drums) is working a treat; as a four-piece they complement each other without taking anything away from the delivery of the visceral lyrics and reaction to the realities of social stratification across the UK right now. Closing with what I maintain is one of the best tracks of 2024 from anyone, Broke Biscuits, it’s great to see things starting to take off for Polite Bureaux. Look out for pending new single release Mift and more Brighton dates soon.

Polite Bureaux