Arriving later than expected, and after a slightly awkward affair at the entrance with a confused ticket lady, I find a room populated by about 5 people. 'Oh', I say, before deciding that gin at the adjacent Wetherspoon would be a good distraction until the bands begin. Minutes later, with my nose in a glass, I can hear the opening act. A quick swig later and a jaunt up the stairs I find the same 5 people, and a band, continue to populate the room.
They are called Eric Unseen (something I found out today, not last night) and here is what I thought of them: primarily bad. Lots and lots of enthusiasm which did not seem in the least bit genuine, as if they wouldn't have chosen to listen to these songs had someone else created them. Stage banter was some of the worst, most excruciating I have ever seen/heard. In many ways I was just watching a teenagers garage band with dim hopes. So much emphasis was placed on standard, boring vocals and uninspired lyrics. The incredibly talented drummer was almost completely ignored when he should have been the focus of the group's sound while they filled every second with guitar white noise.
I should, however, mention that they almost completely redeemed themselves with a fantastic rendition of Bat out of Hell. But, that aside, I was far less than impressed.
Then there were the Vestrals. Better. Much better, in fact. Another guitar overload but with so much more cohesion and purpose to each performer. However, despite the harbouring of a lot of potential, there was nothing distinguishing about them. You could see intelligence and interesting themes buried in there somewhere but the make-up of the band and the sound of the songs demonstrated a lack of depth and imagination. I liked them and, if they were to play in front of me again, I wouldn't walk away. But I am not sure I would walk towards them. Take note Vestrals, you need innovation, or just give up and go to the anonymous band wastelands of so many soundalikes. Sorry.
Now, I really like Sound of Guns. Both their albums are immensely enjoyable and I was really looking forward to seeing them live. Known, by me and others, for the sustained, bold and brilliant notes sung by Andrew Metcalfe compounding the heavy beats and anthemic guitar.
Unfortunately, I was disappointed. Solely because the aforementioned Andrew was terrible. The band behind played excellently, never dropping a note or missing a beat, but for a band with such a prominent front man, singing badly can ruin the whole thing. This is a band that was destined fort he biggest of arenas with their pounding rock but the horse cries and off tune bellowing that accompanied this performance spoilt brilliant song after brilliant song. Perhaps it was because of the awkwardly small venue which is the Full Moon Club (more on that later) that nothing sounded right but it was as if Mr. Metcalfe had taken up a 20 a day smoking habit since recording their last album. Some flashes of glory were there in admirable attempts to belt out Architects and Alcatraz (songs I adore) but on a whole it was too distracting having someone struggle that much. Eventually the excuse of the cold came out, but if it was going to be that obstructive, I would have accepted a postponement/cancellation.
I still think the albums are brilliant and I will eagerly await each new release, but I will also think twice before going to see them live again.
Now, I should quickly address my first experience of the Full Moon Club. What can I say... utterly dreadful. Quality of music aside, it doesn't function as a good place for live music. Half the room is around a corner from the stage and it is so small. Perhaps I am slightly bitter, for, after being short changed to the amount of a fiver (a signification amount) I was treated like a mistaken drunkard (neither of which were true) and eventually fobbed off despite the utmost attempt at being amiable and nice about the, unavoidably awkward situation. Even if I am bitter, I think that attitude is a negative enough attribute to prevent me from returning there. Anyway, I will stop complaining and go back to listening to What Came From Fire.
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