Big lineups (i.e. more than three bands) can go one of two ways, and can either represent excellent value for money, or can be a complete disaster, with everything running hours behind schedule and a succession of crap local bands - or bands that all sound the same - leaving the crowd bored and annoyed long before the headliners take to the stage.
Arran Johnson's set, which consisted of US-style acoustic rock, might not have been particularly to my taste, but I couldn't fault his abilities or delivery, and as a warm-up, he did a fine job.
A Genuine Freakshow might have a front man who was rejected from auditions for 'Beauty and the Geek' for being too geeky, but his seven-piece band play quality post-rock with real feeling. The square rock setup augmented by strings and brass results in songs that have texture and depth, and there's more muscle to the playing than you'd expect from looking at them. The vocals are a little weak, perhaps, but overall it's a solid performance that leaves me wondering why they're not higher on the bill.
The reason I pose this question is that I've seen Lost From Atlas before, and while they're without doubt extremely capable musicians, I'm not entirely convinced by the compositions, in that they appear so intent on complexity that they lack direction or momentum. What's more, they came cross as rather smug. However, tonight's set forces me to reconsider. Perhaps it's the bigger venue or the better PA, but Lost From Atlas really deliver something exciting this time around. So the jazz-influenced songs still meander, but the rock element of their math-rock sound is stronger on this outing, and their positive reception is deserved.
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And So I Watch You From Afar are another band I've seen before. Then, with no expectations, I was blown away by their genre-straddling brand of music that incorporates elements of post rock and metal in equal measure. This time around, I was prepared. However, I'd forgotten just how good these guys are.
Their instrumental epics have both texture and depth and balls. It's the monster riffs that distinguish ASIWYFA from the post-rock pack. They don't simply build to crescendos, they launch into crunching metal riffs with boundless energy. What's more, they're clearly enjoying what they do, bantering their way through a few minor technical mishaps.
By the end of the set, my ears are ringing and I'm happy. Not only have I just seen four decent acts for six quid, but I've also seen four decent acts who are all quite different from one another. Now that's what I call good value!
http://www.myspace.com/agenuinefreakshow
http://www.myspace.com/lostfromatlas
http://www.myspace.com/andsoiwatchyoufromafar
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