August 3, 2006
The first thing that struck us as we broke our Audio Massage V I am not from London gig virginity was what a weird mix of people/genres of music this night involved and what a great party atmosphere. These gig promoters go that extra length to provide an original and memorable night! With pop corn and ice cream girls, reel to reel film playing between the bands and a interesting mix of music of a high calibre, these guys gigs are getting a roaring reputation in the city.
When People Become Numbers
With 2 insane guitarists, 2 vocalists and a drummer pelting their way round the room, insane hardcore metal heads When People Become Numbers wake The Maze up with a roaring and chaotic start to the night. The riffage booms down and the whole show is a non-stop barrage of screams, grunt and growls, meaning the lyrics have no chance of being hear. I don't really get this music, it is tight and powerful but just to insane for me, an awesome show but I can't ever imagine sitting and listening to a CD worth of this material, unless I was trying to go deaf!
http://www.myspace.com/xwhenpeoplebecomenumbersx
The Recovery
The Recovery bring a more melodic twist to the evening, with interesting vocal patterns and lyrics and souring atmospheric music. The structures were simple but catchy and with some nice progressive riffs, it mixed At The Drive in with a more brit pop Libertines feel. The vocalist has a unique and quirky voice, that stands somewhere between Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins and Par Wiksten of The Wannadies. With ever changing drum beats and great breakdowns, they have a catchy yet interesting dynamic and are a tight band. The only thing that let them down was a lack of stage presence and crowd interaction but still a quality band to look out for.
http://www.myspace.com/therecovery1
You Slut!
Next we change genre again with You Slut! smashing down the boarders of sound with an explosive mix of experimental and dynamic math, tech, progressive rock. Constantly changing tempo and mood and breaking down riff after riff, this band build great atmosphere and energy for a instrumental outfit and with the 2 guitarists and bassist playing off each other, this was clever and well worked song writing on show. Just as riffs got boring or messy they would change and build again with some big kick ins and nice drop outs. Later in the set they added elements of funk and the crowd started to really enjoy the music, imaginative and technical rock with feeling.
http://www.myspace.com/youslut1
Foncheros
Finally the night ends with Foncheros, mixing catchy melodies and big build ups. The dynamic is huge with a mix of folk, blues, rock n roll and grunge, this band produce a moving and diverse end to the night. The brilliant harmonies and emotional vocals add only more levels to the twist and turns in power from the piano and guitars. Now it is over everyone can chill with some ice cream, pop corn and a balloon full of laughing gas!
http://www.myspace.com/foncheros
Reviewed by: Steph
