HINDS shake up the London’s Forum.

After an amazing year, the Spanish chicas in Hinds are set for their last stop on the UK branch of their European tour, with their biggest gig to date at O2 Forum Kentish Town.

As Sweat and The Magic Gang finish off their effort to get the crowd all hot and ready for the highlight of the night we can already feel the vibe. ‘Viva Hinds!’.

Making a dancing entry whilst ‘You Sexy Thing’ by Hot Chocolate blasts through the speakers, Hinds are setting the tone for what, judging by the intro, will be a night of fun.

Following the prolonged dancy intro is an old tune, Warning With the Curling. The unreleased tune, which has made its mark through live shows and video clips, originates from when the Madrid foursome went under the name Deers. It’s considerably darker than our usual Hinds vibe, yet works surprisingly well in contrast to their joyous opening, proving they have more than careless fun to bring to the table.

“London!” Carlotta Cosials screams, whilst blissfully glancing over the ecstatic crowd. Diving into next tune, Trippy Gum, of their humorously titled EP, Very Best Of Hinds So Far, the girls are on track with their nonchalant style and half-tossed vocals, which, admittedly, works a lot better live than on the recording.

Just watching Hinds on stage is marvel and a mess. Their sheer excitement and enthusiasm is key in keeping their cavorting live performance together. Amber Grimbergen’s drumming effort marks itself as a red string throughout the scattered set. Carlotta Cosials and Ana Perrote’s call-and-respond vocals tangles with Ade Martin’s backbone bass strumming. It all feels a bit odd, but in a way you rather love it.

Warts, of their debut album, Leave Me Alone, teases with sun-drenched guitar riff that cannot be more welcome on a dark December night, and though Hinds’ style at times can seem both off-key and off-beat, there’s something so oddly flattering about it all. Their very DIY approach to their instruments and playing comes across during their live shows, giving a heart-felt and honest vibe to the set.

“This is the biggest show we’ve ever played.” Ana Perrot (guitar player and vocalist) announces, admitting that her parents even flew in from Madrid to witness the tour final. The band then emerges into one of their slower songs, Dead Ghosts cover, When It Comes To You. Their dreamy harmonies have more room to play in the context of this stripped down tune, giving the crowd a bit of sentiment in all the fun.

“Please dance with us!” – the girls encourage before their favourite live tune, Easy. Their relatable lyrics and rickety guitars are encouraging, even if the entirety at times can feel a bit monotone, even live.

There is no doubt that Hinds have established a grounded fan base, and judging by tonight’s enthusiastic reactions their nontraditional take is hitting on well. What makes them interesting is their bold lack of perfection. Being upfront, unapologetic and kicking it with their instruments is something that you rarely see from an all-girl band and it has clearly hit a demanding nerve with this London crowd.

The crowd’s response to Easy is more than what Hinds hoped for, judging by the surprised cheer, “Now we’re talking London.” Taking time to introduce their team, they entertain with funny anecdotes about their tour manager before smoothly punch-lining with Bamboo, another crowd favourite of the night.

After an acapella The Beatles-tribute with Hey Jude the girls seem about ready to round off. They’re triumphing on gangly parts of Garden, and the line “cause I can take you dancing” has never felt more true. Leaving the crowd hanging on the soaring Castigadas En El Granero, the demand for an encore is immediate and loud.

“We have three more songs,” Carlotta Cosials smiles as they come bouncing back on stage. Praising their idols Los Nastys with Spanish cover-tune Holograma, the language barrier is close to non-existent.

And just as you think the night can’t get more rowdy, Hinds bring on no other that major Hinds-fan, Wolf Alice’s own drummer, Joel Amey for the final song. Taking over the drums, he gives Amber Grimbergen her chance to dance around the stage for their well-renowned Thee Headcoatees cover of Davey Crockett.

Rounding off their Forum show in a ramshackle of dancing, tambourines and screaming, the Madrid girls have truly left a colourful mark on a grey London night.

Photos: Aurora Henni Krogh