Antlered Man // OPEN 08.11.2013
Another storming performance from AM.
Right, I'm confused and bemused. Antlered Man are one of the most inventive and exciting bands plying their trade at the heavier end of the musical spectrum and yet, tonight, they play to a sparse crowd. What I can't understand is that the room was fuller earlier in the evening.
Rammerator kick things off with a performance that wouldn't have been out of place at the Walthamstow Royal Standard in the mid-80s. So, Maiden/Saxon style NWOBHM with elements of Sabbath and Bon-era AC/DC. With songs like 'We Like Rock', 'Cock Fighter', 'Baps Out' and 'Up The Wizard's Sleeve', the lyrics must be ironic or comedic but, frankly, Spinal Tap, Bad News and Tenacious D have that base well covered. In their favour, they can clearly play, the songs are well constructed (if old school Metal) and they made me smile. Dammit, I don't wanna be negative but, for me at least, this may quickly wear thin. (5/10)
On to Bovine and a whole different ball game. This is Nu-Metal bordering on hardcore with hints of Circle Jerks, Black Flag, Napalm Death and even Crass. However, there is melody and the choruses show that the band may have learnt a thing or two from Muse and the Manics, with 'Thank F**k I ain't You' being a highlight in a generally good set. (8/10)
God Damn are a punk metal guitar-and-drums trio but played tonight as a duo. The sound is not dissimilar to Bovine's but takes in some 80s US alternative like Butthole Surfers and Dinosaur Jr, 'Heavy Money' is a great song but the best was the closer. Ever the (un)professional, I failed to get the title but it came on like Melvins jamming Girls Against Boys ' 'Wilmington'. (7/10)So, with the audience inexplicably thinning out, Messrs Holmes, Fury, Ray and Parker AKA Antlered Man take the stage and proceed to whip up a storm with a sound that mixes of Killing Joke, Metallica, Cardiacs and, in their lighter moments, REM. With a set including 'The Ballad Of Hamhock Fullsleeves', 'Phoney Tough', 'Surrounded By The White Men', 'Buddhist Soup' and closer 'Misruly Roo', this was a superb performance. Those that left early, missed out. (9/10)
Pavlis
Rammerator: ST/Bad News. We Like Rock FFS! NWOBHM. 2nd song Cock Fighter. Baps Out Bon era AC/DC. Up the wizard's sleeve v Sabs/st vitus/'mas.Bovine: hardcore/thrash - Early 80s US, ND, EH, elements of Crass but more metal. Muse in vox/chorus? Nu metal. Harmony guitar solos. Hint of Dino Jr & Mudhoney in final song.God Damn punk metal duo. Late 80s early 90s thrashcore. Last number like a heavier GvsB Wilmington. Damo Ezekiel Holmes provides lead vocals, tin whistle and slide guitar, played in an eye catching lapsteel style. Danny Fury whip up a storm on guitar and backing-bordering-on-co-lead vocals. Oliver Parker may be one of the best drummers I’ve seen for a while. The fuzzed up and distorted bass of Sam Ray may just be what makes Antlered Man standout out from the crowd. - See more at: http://www.outlineonline.co.uk/music/live-reviews/antlered-man-open-04042013#sthash.GfPr3XbC.dpuf
