04 November 2009 (gig)
08 November 2009
Seven bands is good value for money, but the powers that be may want to consider that maybe that’s one or two too many. With the gig starting at the unsociably early-time of 5.45, the doors for some reason opening only 15 minutes beforehand, it meant that Ghost Inside were playing to a very sparse crowd.
Anyhoo, Ghost Inside were lively and their unspectacular metalcore went down well with the early birds (***). IWRESTLEDABEARONCE were probably more interesting than enjoyable. Their ferocious hardcore with jazz and keyboard interludes jarred, and wasn’t totally successful. Also Krysta Cameron’s vocals were at times very hard on the ears, but when she wasn’t caterwauling, demonstrated great range and subtlety (***).
Oceano are big, very big, it’s a miracle the stage supported them. Thus their metalcore was suitably muscular and solid, if not terribly original. They did manage to get a circle of jerks going though (***). You get the feeling that As Blood Runs Black are really a more traditional thrash metal band, who happen to dabble with the hardcore and death side of things. A very down to earth band they played an excellent set and really got the crowd going (****).
Both the crowd and Horse the Band were wondering what they were each doing at the gig. Looking like a collection of 70’s porn stars, the Band appeared disinterested from the off, the audience picked up on this. That resulted in a sloppy, lacklustre performance. This was a shame as they are a very good band. The mix of metalcore and 80’s tinged synthesiser – which is integral to their sound - is original (**)
After Horse the Band, Despised Icon would have had to be inept in the extreme to fail. They did start very awkwardly and already seemed tired. Things picked up as the set progressed, and they gave the latest album a good airing. In the end it was a rousing set. It was probably unintentional but when the crowd was split, formed a wall, and then charged at each other, it was hilarious. (Think of Monty Python’s sketch of the Batley Townswomen’s guild re-enactment of the attack on Pearl Harbour and you’ll have an idea of the lunacy.) (***)
Architects just took the place apart. It was a performance of total aggression, focused and tight as a gnat’s chuff. If the crowd were showing signs of fatigue before, Architects soon kicked them back life, and didn’t let up till the end. They played a mixture of old and newer songs. You’ll Find Safety and the exceptional Buried at Sea, are on a par with the Hollow Crown material. They even chucked Into The Death from their first album. Technically the band were faultless, presentation wise, we could have done without Sam Carter’s constant swearing. Not because it was offensive, but because it sounded so contrived and un-natural; he’s no Malcolm Tucker. Apart from that the show was an absolute triumph. If they keep up this level of performance, and the next album continues their development, the future looks very good. (****)
