RiotZine

Promoting and Preserving Local Music.

Guildford Boileroom - November 15th 2008

Line Up:

Tonight was the first time I've ever been to a gig at The Boileroom in Guildford, though I had heard many good things about gigs there. Walking in my first impression was "dude, it's tiny!" but once the first band took to the stage (a good hour and a half later!) it became apparent that the small venue was not an issue. If anything, the atmosphere created by such an intimate gig is second to none.

The first band up were Luna Park Rescue, a three-piece band made up of guitars, synths, computer generated drums, vocals and bass. They create an endlessly appealing sound, the use of different instruments and sound effects, the tempo of the songs and their structures make them a band you can listen to without getting bored. Their songs are similar enough to link perfectly together, but different enough to provide variation and cause for excitement. For their 2nd ever gig, they did brilliantly, and I look forward to following their progress over the next few months, perhaps even years.

Next on were Lets Talk Tactics. Five guys, one stage, and a hell of a lot of energy. At times it seemed as though they were physically spilling off the stage, Paul even leaving the stage on several occasions to join the crowd with his synth. Musically, their songs are well structured and have a kick to them that sadly is hard to find these days. Not only are they a fantastic band to listen to, but they have a stage presence that makes it feel more like a party than a gig.

Finally, Subsource. A band I have been dying to see live since I first heard them. Their sound is so complex in places it seems almost impossible to replicate that on stage, but they did it. The way they write is fascinating, not only do they have an acoustic drummer, but they have synths, electronic drums, bongos, AND sound effects from laptops, all fitting together perfectly to create an incredible mix of percussive sounds. On top of this, rib-crackingly low basslines, from a fascinating looking instrument, mesmerizing synths and classic electric guitar. The icing on this incredible musical cake, however, is the vocals. Not one, but two vocalists, contrasting one another, creating perfect harmonies, and strengthening each others voices. Again, not only a band with incredible musical talent, but with a stage presence so electrifying and energetic it seeped into the crowd and left me with a feeling of content. They can easily be classed as a band playing "good mood music" I think.