September 15, 2005
It’s been a while, but we’re at The Old Angel again for what is to be Moth’s final gig. Before Moth take the stage, we are treated an interesting half-hour set by Side Project. Based around a funky DJ who mixes some weird and wonderful samples (Family Guy, George Bush) with scratches and fast break-beats, Side Project have an experimental feel.
The bass moves between fuzzy distortion and more funky riffs to provide the melody and stability to the songs. The MC adds fast, angry and witty lyrics to bring in more consistency into what seemed to be a mostly improvised set.
They have quite an interesting and unique sound, showing a range of influences in the funky fuzz-rock basslines, hip-hop vocals and house and break-beat samples.
The DJ is really impressive, but at times seemed so intent on showing off his skills, the rest of the band can’t keep up. When the MC isn’t singing, he adds extra samples, yet at times this made the sound a bit disjointed. And appearance from a guest MC helped to add stability to the sound.
A bit more movement could have improved the energy levels to this original to this original and funky sound.
Along time ago in a venue not so far away (the very same Old Angel) we first saw Moth, and now sometime later, we are here to witness their final show as Bassist Dave is moving away.
Opening this final extended set with huge crunching distorted bass and guitars and powerful booming drums, Moth have a strong, distinctive and catchy sound, which is instantly infectious.
The songs are structured and held together by the simple drumbeats that are given diversity and show imagination with tight and fast fills. This combined with the complex and deep bass riffs that are injected with sheer force by hitting a dark and fierce distortion at choice moments, give the bands songs a real heavy edge.
The guitars mix this powerful and dark heavy sound with softer melodies that add feelings, dynamic and help the songs build into catchy and contagious choruses.
The messy grungy riffs are well thought out and regimented and organised by the tight marching rhythm section, which gives the vocals and guitars time and space to experiment and add diversity.
The occasional keyboards add samples, eerie piano scales and drum machine beats to give the sound more depth and variety, showing that Moth have a inventiveness which gives their grunge metal a dark industrial edge.
The vocals are very clear and melodic and this not only adds to the infectious feel to the songs but also gives them a lot of passion and emotion. The whole band seem in high spirits and play with masses of confidence, building a relaxed atmosphere and letting the audience really get into the set.
Moth mix the power grunge of early 90’s bands with the soft edge of late 80’s metal and produce a beautiful hybrid of catchy, fun, intense and powerful rock. They have built a passionate fan base over the years and many of the crowd seem to sing along to their tuneful and moving songs.
They put heart and soul into this last show and proved that they not only mix some great sounds, giving birth to really intoxicating metal but that they are a very professional and relaxed band with bags of character. This was a great end to one of Nottingham’s finest and most underrated bands.
Review By Steph + Gaz
