ALBANY DOWN,
DELPHIAN COMPLEX, 10 YEAR PROSPECT and FOUR STAR FAILURE.
The
Lizard Music Venue – Feedback Sessions.
Wednesday
4th FEBRUARY. 2004.
Walking in to the Lizard that night was a bit like walking in to a lift – the first thing I heard was what I thought was back-ground lift music, before realizing it was in fact the first act
FOUR STAR FAILURE, which seemed to consist of a couple of brave guys sitting on chairs on the stage playing acoustic numbers. Perhaps this would have made a good way to wind the weekend down but it was only a Wednesday and would have preferred something a bit punchier, their musical ability was fine and they produced a good sound, even so they seemed to self remove any chances of being able to get in to it by extending lengthy gaps in-between the songs. What I wanted was a real band, which is exactly what was offered next with the following act. (KP)
Being only the second gig of hot newcomers THE TEN YEAR PROSPECT, It would
be unfair to have too high expectations. Having seen them before it was
clear that they were technically very competent and just needed to develop
their performance. This was a challenge that they more than fulfilled. Onstage
TTYP appeared confident and crucially were definitely enjoying themselves,
something often forgotten by too many bands these days. During the first
song, which made great use of a long atmospheric intro, one of the guitarists
broke a string but instead of continuing with the spare Fender he opted
to restring his trusty Les Paul. This seemed a bit risky to have such a
lengthy break after only one song but instead of awkwardly waiting on the
stage, the remaining four band members made the most of the opportunity and
enjoyed some brilliant blues inspired improvisation. The crowd did seem
to grow a little impatient after a while but it was a great example of the
band’s confidence as they held the performance together well. TTYP showcased
a couple of catchy rock tunes and this was impressive for such a new band
although they may now want to work on some new material. Some of their
songs were instrumental and may have benefited from some lyrics as the straw-hat
bearing front man had good stage presence. Also, the final two numbers
demonstrated
a more punk edge to the band and this was not really their strong point
as it did not suit the otherwise impressive vocal style of the singer.
Throughout
the set the band were very tight and the crowd seemed to be thoroughly enjoying
the performance. Overall an excellent consolidation for a very promising
young band.
Hailing from London with Bedfordshire connections the THE DELPHIAN COMPLEX, were
keen to open their live account in style. With age and studio experience
behind them this alternative group was in need of some live experience.
Lacking a sizable fan base the DC done very well to get the crowd involved
with their sound. They got a good reception from the enthusiastic crowd,
which was a credit to the previously unheard six piece. With quite an original
sound the DC made good use of their keyboards and effects to create a melodic
build up that seemed to be a recurring theme in their songs. This fusion
of electronica and contemporary rock was appreciated by a local scene not
used to such experimental groups. At times the guitarists looked a bit
uncomfortable
on stage but that was understandable for a first gig. A possible improvement
could be to make better use of the two guitars although when there are six
members in the band it may be difficult to incorporate every instrument
at once. The front man provided a good focal point for the band and related
well to the crowd. Their debut recording, Bite The Hand EP is now available. (C.T.)
C.D. REVIEW - THE DELPHIAN COMPLEX ‘ BITE THE HAND
’ 3 Track C.D. Recorded @ Bark studios Oct. 03
The front packaging cover depicts ‘in color’ a speeding through a street scene, which is probably the fastest thing about the project. The tital track BITE THE HAND, has a Sisters Of Mercy feel with a kind of Indy Goth approach, leading to some repetitive drumming creating a plodding dirge yet atmospherically enhanced.
NARCOLEPSY BALLAD, has an atmosphere that builds up reminiscent to a U2 song. I know it’s a ballad but it’s slow and not that melodic, it has an all to relaxed sound with some keyboard overlays. The vocals are clear enough but the song seems to lack any vitality. I’m pretty sure they didn’t perform this one live and think that it demonstrates the diversity that this band has.
ALL THAT REMAINS, has a livelier start and to me is the best of the three. There’s more guitar work – which I would prefer to hear more of. The drumming picks up in this with a less plodding rhythm, there’s also some further effects adding to the interest with a Morrissey/Smiths 80’s influences blended in to their unique combination of experimental sound. They have a couple of gigs coming up:- Fri 27 Feb Bull n Gate Kentish Town and Thu 11 Mar The Horn St. Albans. You can also visit their website on www.thedelphiancomplex.com (KP)
ALBANY DOWN,
To be continued.
Charlie Tutt and Keith Pickering (c) www.bedfordmetal.tk
