Due to lack of available funds (the bane of my existence) I was unable to attend the show in Newport on Friday night. However, I knew that a certain Michael ‘Purgatory’ Darke would be in attendance. After exchanging thoughts of the show via text I asked him if he would be willing to write a review to guest feature on my blog. I’m pretty stoked as this is the first bit of writing on here not done by me. If you like knowledgeable and passionate views on hardcore, this review will be right up your street. Check it.
“Bang Bros, Nibiru, No Reality & Bleak Reality Le Pub, August 24th
Josh didn’t suggest the idea of me doing a review of this show until I was already there and it was underway so apologies if I miss any pertinent details but essentially, this was a fun show.
Bleak Reality. I like this band, really think there is promise here. It is easy enough to pass them off for wanting to sound like Trapped Under Ice, but I don’t think that is the case. Entrenched golden age NYHC style and swagger (the truly difficult element of that sound to capture) in the song writing and plenty weighty enough even with just 1 guitar. Just hardcore, and what else do you really want? The show wasn’t the liveliest and I think the lads suffered a little for it, but I’m excited to see these again soon in a room more up for it and familiar with the demo. One of the bands to watch in the UK right now.
No Reality. Second Reality of the night, and on a different tip all together if not a different planet. It’s hard to remember what No Reality sounded like back when but they are much better now and arguably the prototype for the genesis of #drugsbands in UK hardcore.
The song writing reminds me of Nachtmystium in the most bizarre of ways, the almost random moves between black metal riffing, more straight forward metalcore/holy terror style parts and plenty of very traditional sounding British Heavy Metal riffs to make a band that really sounds like few others.
In truth, I was outside for the first half of their set wheeling & dealing on a merch purchase, and at the back of the room for the second half so I couldn’t see if kids were going off but the band sounded good, so much better than last time they played Le Pub, and a good showcase for their new record. What I could see of the band they looked confident on stage and like they were enjoying themselves which is rare for them, but they may have finally become the band they promised to be.
Their new record, while not really the subject of review here, is a great little LP and I’d have happily released it if the band weren’t a bunch of degenerate fiends ranking high on the disorganised scale although knowing them, they’d likely just wear that as a badge of honour.
Nibiru. I don’t think I really have the background to review this band. No clue as to who they really sound like or who the influences are. For the most part the current trend in hardcore of jocking Grunge just leaves me cold but I really enjoyed their set right up until the Nirvana cover at the end.
Sidenote: When their singer announced they were going to do a cover I shuddered knowing in my heart it wasn’t going to be anything that would set me off, and when my worst fears were quickly realised so I escaped to discuss hating Nirvana with the solemn few that remain. Won’t let that unduly taint my view of the band though.
Like I said, I don’t have the genre background to say who they sound like, initially I thought they were a quirky version of Frustration, with whom they share members, but that isn’t really a fair comparison and somewhat wide of the mark. They don’t really sound like anyone and they do it well. Strong sung vocals, interesting songs, if grungey hardcore is your thing I’m willing to wager these will be one of the best and even if you aren’t (like me) you should give them a go live or on record as you may be surprised (again, like me).
Bang Bros: With a sound fluctuating somewhere between the React and Lockin Out touchstones, they bring jams that make for a good time provide you are in the mood. I wasn’t really by this point but there was still more movement for them than anyone else.
I don’t really have a lot to say here. I find this style of hardcore really hit or miss for me and with no rhyme nor reason to what I enjoy and it just wasn’t clicking for me tonight, although I feel I was in the minority.
Liked that one of the dudes was wearing a Subhumans tee. A mini-Carry On medley was cool too, if not completely ropey. On another night I’d have likely moshed.
Summary:
4 interesting, credible and diverse British Isles Hardcore bands. Good vibe at the show and everyone in good spirits and as a social event I’d score it high despite the rain (although the bands should probably be grateful, if this had been on a pleasant summers eve then numbers inside would have been sorely lacking).
Nibiru really ought to be band of the night, but there is a place in my heart for Bleak Reality plus the best I’ve likely ever seen No Reality too.
Not a bad way to spend any given Friday! Props to all involved.
So my first guest blogger, as always, feel free to leave comments. And also, check out the bands involved last night:
Bleak Reality: http://bleakreality.bandcamp.com/
No Reality: http://noreality.bandcamp.com/
Nibiru: http://planetnibiru.bandcamp.com/
Bang Bros: http://bangbros.bandcamp.com/
The New Beat 