The Answering Machine - Live
[Liverpool Carling Academy 1]

Since they have expanded to a four piece and swapped the drum machine (proudly called Mustafa Beat) for the less programmed and more colourful touch of Ben, The Answering Machine have veered towards a psychedelic early Pixies vibe; coated by a flowery Brit-pop backdrop that Cast used to catchy or irritating effect (depending on your perspective).

Bassist, Gemma provides the steely foundation from which guitarist Patrick and singer/guitarist, Martin expands colourfully and boldly from, taking them close to the strides made by The Dead 60s. Twisted power pop and lyrically bemused ‘The Hold Up’ , highlights this approach.

The crowd take time to figure out where The Answering Machine lies, as they flit from raw and rocky to sturdy indie then to heart filled pop. The adventurous ‘Your Father’s Books’, neatly encapsulates all three musical styles and an eccentric megaphone haunt has the impact of Martin effectively heckling their own song.

A winding blues filter gives forthcoming single ‘Lightbulbs’, a languid touch and Martin does a The Pigeon Detectives vocal impersonation to end proceeding on a yearningly catchy note. This has the effect of driving indie connoisseurs to scribble The Answering Machine into their notebooks.