August 10, 2005
Another week at Junktion 7 and it gets better every week, and tonight’s 1st band South Parade seem to be no exception. Using steady and strong structures they mixed 90’s grunge-rock and a variety of indie-rock to weave together some very catchy and impressive songs. Some sweet, funky basslines and intricate drums provided stability, which allowed the guitars and vocals to carry the songs. The guitars used good dynamics, switching effortlessly between high-pitched squeals, strong and at times manic riffs (the Wah sounded like standing on a cat’s tail). South Parade know how to break a song down well, keeping the songs interesting by steering away from their catchy chorus anthems and into chilled-out interludes. It already sounded pretty damn good, but it was the vocals that really added the cider to the snakebite, integrating all three up-standing members into the equation. Each voice is strong and defined, the harmonies were tight, adding that extra power to the songs. The only down point we can make, is the lack of movement and presence at times didn’t keep the crowd on their toes, but they let their music do most of the talking. They mixed the sound of the 70’as and 90’s well with bands like Supergrass, The Jam, Wonderstuff and Stone Roses coming to mind, South Parade add a extra hard edge to a well-travelled and popular style. If we had known the words, we’d have sung along.
After the subtle and easy to listen to sound of South parade, El Cielo blast on to the stage, with some energetic yet melodic metal. The guitars spew out a powerful mix of chunky riffs and intense and varied lead scales. While the vocals drift between soft melodic singing and throaty growls and screams, which really suits the style. This could be described as ‘Nu-metal’ but rather than relying on catchy hook lines and repetitive riffs, it uses varied and beautiful build ups to provoke great emotion. There is a dark and complex edge to El Cielo’s songs and it can have a Tool-esque mentality. The drummer really used the whole kit, adding some really interesting beats and all members had good imagination and variety. It wasn’t quite as raw and random as the last time we saw them, and even though they were really tight, at times it lacked conviction. It was almost too tight!! Their powerful songs mixed with their commanding stage presence give El Cielo a real hardcore edge and the ever-changing dynamics, give it a thought provoking and emotional side. This wasn’t their best performance but it was still an intense and beautiful show of metal. The P.A didn’t always seem to compliment their sound either but with so much energy and movement El Cielo are always going to be a force to be reckoned with.
Next fans of Grand theft Auto San Andreas are given a treat with a cover of ‘All my ex’s live in Texas’. The Dangerous Third obviously have a sense of humour and as the fast guitars bounce into earshot, we are indoctrinated to a great mix of emo-punk, grunge and indie rock. The songs are based round simple and catchy chord sequences and have a passionate and fun feel. They aren’t always to tight but the vocals hold the messy guitars, bass and crashing, thumping drums together like superglue. I think the trick to their impressive vocals was to start slowly, as the first few songs seemed distinctively average and at times the vocal seemed to struggle, but as the set progressed so did the sound and the backing vocals started leaving a huge impression, mixing interesting vocal patterns with catchy and chanting hook lines. The music stayed fairly simple but with the use of some original and interesting riffs mixed with the three vocals, the over all sound had great dynamics and energy. Using nice changes in tempo and structure The Dangerous Third were a completely different band to the band we saw last year, they showed great variety and imagination and the vocals really carried the strong songs. Emo-punk seems to not be that popular at the moment but if you wanted to like Weezer more but they seemed a bit soft for you, The Dangerous Third might just have a hole to fill. With more movement The Dangerous Third could be a brilliant band.
Well so far its been a really good night, with all of the first three bands giving really good performances and all having different and strong sets, surely Jonny No Stars can’t be as good as the rest??? Yet, from the moment they take the stage, it is more than obvious they are here to win! Crashing in with dirty guitars and thumping basslines, they take no prisoners as they grind together a style of punk that’s high in energy, using snotty, shouting vocals to hammer their presence into the room. The crazy, fast guitar riffs are kept in tow by the pounding drums. Its nothing overly original but with bucket loads of energy and with tight, fast, catchy songs Jonny No Stars, really know how to work the crowd. All members move well and with nice injections of older more British punk it does have a good feel. It maybe disorganised, messy and chaotic punk but with more confidence than a 6 legged horse in the Grand National (when all the other Horse have already been put down), they put on a fast and furious finish to a great night.
The winners of Heat 6 of Junktion 7 Battle of the Bands were (and it was really close)….El Cielo.
Writen By Steph + Gaz
