Enigma, Pristine, Paroxsym, Accolade Sky.

The Pitz (Woughton Centre) M.K. Saturday 16th July 05.

I thought the first band ACCOLADE SKY gently got thinks rolling with a light mild sound, well played with some good bass adding atmosphere, and drumming that included individual extra additions exceeding the employment of just boringly tapping along. I'm not sure if they actually done any covers by Smashing Pumpkins or just had the distinct sound of that particular band. They have a straightforward singing style with good instrument playing but coming over as a watered down rock compared to the other acts on the bill.

Perhaps PAROXSYM started off with a bad song, or the singing style was a bit shaky, but after a nervous start, which soon went and was more vanished than Madonna's virginity. I was amazed at how after just a few songs in, the band seemed to improve dramatically and just get better. From the same school as the headlining band, the singer/front man demonstrated a wide range of vocals competently singing normal vocals which came over well along with the death like growls, not only that, but turning into a consummate showman, with on stage presence and attitude (Ill cut the crap - he was fucking excellent!). There seem to be three people in this band together - looking the part and putting everything in to it, along with two others in close proximity that just stand away from the rest, looking rather bored and not seeming to want to fit in with the dynamic of the rest of the band.
I really like the style of this band and think the standard is high and with some new songs being played its good to think this band may stick around.
The main guitarist moved well and looked the part and did anyone notice how well matched his guitar was with his T-shirt? (Does that show class or what?).

Next up were PRISTINE with a darkwave/melodic industrial, almost goth like sound with I thought some Dream Theatre influenced edges to the more rock like parts.
Although I am not personally a fan of keyboards I would have to admit that although played well, also fitted in well with the individual sound of the band.
They have a female singer who was wearing a pinstriped minie and commanded a powerful passionate edge to the vocals proving she can certainly sing. The guitars use some really good picky guitar work and adopts some showman like poses adding to this likeable band that I can sum up in two words - 'Class act' although I could personally deduce this from watching the band and didn't need this spelling out by an over enthusiastic dad in the crowd whistling loudly, heckling so that everyone knows he knew the band and just being overbearingly embarrassingly loud in general, slightly spoiling the atmosphere that the band can successfully create for themselves.
The crowd certainly didn't want the band to end and seemed almost horrified that their set was coming to a close.
An encore with out their singer ensued, which was a Children Of Bodem cover instrumental, which was played so well and went down a treat with the audience. The Singer returned for last song however, ending a really good set.

ENIGMA fans had their first chance to see this popular M.K. band headline their main home venue and put on a show of both talented skill and entertainment. They can pull in a good crowd who know they are in for a good night and even got some members of Dragonforce who had played the venue with Enigma some time before.
Enigma are now defiantly ready to have a headlining slot, previously retained to support other bands and bigger named acts, now seeming to make things larger and more of a show to properly headline, rather than just be a last band on.
They played tracks from their rapidly running out C.D. along with some new material, which is always good to hear, as it shows the band will remain fresh and have longevity. I thought their new song as yet untitled was quite impressive and clearly shows how and where the band is musically at the moment.
The frontman guitarist sings with a huge amount of energy and passion to the vocals, seeming at times, flasher than a rat with a gold tooth, confidently playing to the audience, adding to the twin guitar attack, along with the other lead guitarist who looks every inch as if he lives and breathes metal. Their songs are both melodically full of tune and contain great riffs and at times faster than a speeding car down a road full of broken speed cameras.
Enigma have some really good material with my favourite track being 'Amritsar' which has such an amazing tune, proving they can come up with some quite honestly quality songs, with skilful delivery and taking all that one step further by putting on a bit of a show with flair along with it! Their bite size bassist leaping from the drums for instance, to the chants from fans who obviously adore him, he was suffering a bit from sliced fingers, having played a gig earlier that same day also. (Obviously a well practiced bookable band!).
After a crowd pleasing cover of Metallica's 'Seek And Destroy' The singer swapped with the drummer who sometimes stands between tracks, which makes him more accessible rather than just hiding behind his drum kit. He is quite musically talented, good on drums and sings well also during the silverchair cover piece adding a bit of variety to the night.
The set ended explosively with the first track on their C.D. 'Face To Face' with sliding guitar sounds and Egyptian tones. I remember their previous bassist used to accompany the track by doing Egyptian dance movements to this. Their new bassist however climbed the amp stack and hurled himself off followed by ramming the end of his guitar in to the skin of the front drum kit while the lead guitarist smashed his guitar to the floor, spectacularly ending the show as if it was their last ever gig. I bloody hope not! Their playing Bedford Esquires this week!!!

www.enigmamk.tk



Review by Keith www.bedfordmetal.co.uk