There was nervousness, excitement and anticipation from the outset and that was only me! As with any live gig you just don't know what to expect. You can research all you like, but its that first beat that determines the rhythm for the rest of the night.
 | | Pray For Hayden relax before the gig |
Fortunately that first beat was performed by Pray for Hayden. They started the evening with enthusiasm, energy and the occasional technical hitch, which was easily forgiven. These new wave, post-hardcore rockers showed huge devotion to their set. A very different sound was heard from Whores Whores Whores, who got most of the crowd into the mood with their first song 'Limited Edition Yogurt' - with a title like that it was easy to predict this wasn't your normal metal band. We heard raw punk/metal, encompassed by the lead singer's gruff voice, which was on the edge of screams and roars. This razor blade sound was erratic, hard and loud... just what the crowd wanted.
 | | John from Humanfly |
When self-proclaimed 'psychedelic rockers' Humanfly started playing, everyone who was still propping up the bar, were suddenly drawn to them. Their melodic rock - an addictive mix of hypnotizing music and anguished vocals - was summed up by vocalist John at the beginning of their set: "This is for anyone who has ever been stoned." Experiencing the underlying beat, felt in the pit of the stomach and that tingle up the back of the neck, Humanfly's music was all the more infectious and immediately enticed the listeners to become long term fans. Could the gig get any better, Definitely! The climax of the night was Seattle boys, These Arms Are Snakes. Pre-gig they were relaxed, chilled and had a dry American humour. On stage their mental, punk rock music was in a league of their own, with a contradiction of sounds and tight instrumentals fused with rough hard vocals - totally absorbing!
TAAS made the crowd feel part of their set, singer Steve bounced round the stage, jumped on a sidewall shelf and sang from within the crowd, How he had the energy to make their set so lively and enthralling to watch, after days of gigs and partying UK style was very impressive.
While TAAS were on everyone had a great time. All the previous bands were at the side of the stage in total support and respect of their experience and originality. All in all , an adrenaline pumped night of music. If you want an awesome night out, pay to see these rising stars play and you will experience more than just good music, you'll also meet some great lads!
Jo Pearson saw Pray For Hayden, Whores Whores Whores, Humanfly and These Arms Are Snakes on Saturday 4 May 2005 at Joseph's Well. |
