December 7, 2005
Spraining one’s ankle is never the best start to an evening’s entertainment. Luckily the Saggy Pants crew had lined up four bands that although not in close sonic alignment shared a commitment to entertain, leaving only the interludes between bands for me to consider the not inconsiderable gyp my ankle was giving me.
First up Nottingham’s Tolerance dedicated their set to the memory of Dimebag Darrell whose unfortunate onstage demise was almost a year ago. Fortunately the Vic’s security is provided by an elderly German Shepherd so tonight’s bands could rest easy. Tolerance took the opening slot in their stride, pogoing into the Vic’s low roof like Busted never died. It was hard to put a finger on the tolerance sound, a problem exaserpated by a shortened set.
Slotting four bands into a night inevitably forces bands to make decisions about what to leave in and what to drop. Yes My Ninjas? wasted no time in letting us know what they were about – having a fucking good laugh whilst not being afraid to rawk or to folk out. Fantomasmagorical glitch-core/metal-core was laid on by the charming/alarming trio. Yes my Ninjas? come to dada style is achieved without denuding either the electronic or metallic extremes of their music. Too many bands attempt genre fusion cack-handedly, resulting in a sound that is nether fish nor foul. I once had a confused conversation about the merits of Tool with a chap who thought I was talking about his favourite band “Jethro Tull” – Yes My Ninjas? cite both as influences and are all the better for it. I haven’t even mentioned the visuals or the Theremin. Anyway me liked a lot – seek them out!
Local boys The Aran Route are veterans of the Vic, although are yet to start showing their age. As with the previous act ,The Aran Route arent content to sit comfortably within genre boundaries. This Allenton dub-foundation have metallic roots but, playing tonight without a live drummer, use their box of tricks to bring drum and bass and grime rydims into play. Not for this band will a pastiche of street beats suffice. Vocals too are provided to match. From intense screamo emoting to on point lyrical flows Mr Fontaine provides a strong centre to the three piece. This is especially evident on closing number Murderer. Bordering on the passionate side of raucousness all members sang their little hearts. Again we were left wanting more.
Aphemia is a condition concerning the loss of the power of articulate speech. It is also the name taken by tonights headliners. An accomplished five piece the group represented their sound well on stage. Ambitiously combining the complexity and dynamic range of Tool with the rock-ability of Disturbed. Seeming initially to be more serious minded then some of the other bands tonight Aphemia offered up a Corrs cover version. Fortunately (for my minimal) street-cred I didnt recognise the tune.
Nice one to Saggy Pants for sorting the gig. Hopefully more collaboration between Derby and Notts bands will continue in the future.
Reviewed by Paul B
Written By Paul B
