Post by Cowboys on Oct 22, 2006 21:47:02 GMT
here are the reviews rob wrote worth copying over to this forum as rob wrote them...
Coma Shock:
Having never actually seen Coma Shock play, and having heard a few of their recordings courtesy of one of my band members who has known them a while, I was expecting a line up of at least 4 people on stage. I was therefore surprised to see just the three! Coma Shock make a big sound for a band with three members!
From the outset, guitarist/vocalist Phil Owen demonstrated a good range of vocal styles in the opener ‘Pokit’. The next song ‘Born’ had a characteristically ominous opening, and particularly dark overtones in the middle, which is something which Coma Shock seem to have mastered in general, to great effect.
‘Falter’ was next, and this demonstrated some vigorous and impressive work by drummer Richard Adams, also including some very effective electronic kit effects.
After the song ‘Little Leech’ (notable for it’s fantastic ending!) came a cover of ‘Sober’ (Tool). This was played at a slightly quicker and more upbeat tempo than the original and this seemed to suit the band well, and it clearly went down well with those watching.
The final number was a song called ‘Mechanic’, which began with a great bass solo by Frank Hoare which for some reason reminded me slightly of Soulfly. This song was probably my favourite and had a fun (and at the same time dark) feel to it.
Coma Shock’s most obvious influence seems to come from bands such as Deftones. It may or may not have been coincidence that singer Phil was sporting a Deftones hoodie, but this influence is certainly a welcome one (at least in my opinion) and Coma Shock have chosen a sound which is distinctive and original (at very least on the Manchester scene), and it would be good to see them play on a larger stage to a larger audience.
A much enjoyed set!
By Rob Wakefield (Redscar)
Predator
As their name suggests, 5-piece band ‘Predator’ are amongst one of the more brutal bands you are likely to see! Their set began as it intended to go on – loud, intense, fast and furious! Probably not going to be your favourite band if subtlety and long, whistful melodies are your thing, but for fans of pure headbanging metal Predator offer a full-on, passionate and tight set which is easily enjoyed!
With frontman Adam Cropper at the front of the stage, the three guitarists in a row behind, and drummer at the rear, lined up on the small, oddly shaped retro-bar stage the five members of Predator had the appearance of a well trained army about to charge, only their weapon was a wall of (albeit very tight and well rehearsed) sound!
The set opened with the typically heavy ‘Seven scars’. Vocalist Adam (who – to give you some idea – has a similar-ish vocal style to Randy Blythe of Lamb of God) was on top form. This left the audience in no doubt as to the kind of band Predator are, and what to expect from the rest of the set! The second song ‘Rain’ offered no relent, and was played with passion. The end of this song reminded me a lot of the end of ‘One’ by Metallica (and interestingly guitarist Ste Cartmell happened to be wearing a Metallica top), and was very tightly played. ‘End this’ featured some neat lead guitar from guitarist Rob Antrobus, and ‘Nothing to do with fate’ was noticeable for a nicely arranged and executed duo between guitarists Rob and Ste.
Penultimate song ‘Your time has come and gone’ featured a pleasingly extra-heavy ending, and a very nice use of silence between the sections of the song.
The final song ‘Eyes on you’ began with a solo similar to that at the start of ‘Aerials’ by System of a Down, but immediately discarded any further similarity as this was possibly the heaviest song played tonight by Predator, and brought the set nicely to its conclusion. What conclusion was reached I’m not sure, but it certainly wasn’t pretty!
A very much enjoyed set – I will look forward to seeing Predator again!
By Rob Wakefield (Redscar)
Coma Shock:
Having never actually seen Coma Shock play, and having heard a few of their recordings courtesy of one of my band members who has known them a while, I was expecting a line up of at least 4 people on stage. I was therefore surprised to see just the three! Coma Shock make a big sound for a band with three members!
From the outset, guitarist/vocalist Phil Owen demonstrated a good range of vocal styles in the opener ‘Pokit’. The next song ‘Born’ had a characteristically ominous opening, and particularly dark overtones in the middle, which is something which Coma Shock seem to have mastered in general, to great effect.
‘Falter’ was next, and this demonstrated some vigorous and impressive work by drummer Richard Adams, also including some very effective electronic kit effects.
After the song ‘Little Leech’ (notable for it’s fantastic ending!) came a cover of ‘Sober’ (Tool). This was played at a slightly quicker and more upbeat tempo than the original and this seemed to suit the band well, and it clearly went down well with those watching.
The final number was a song called ‘Mechanic’, which began with a great bass solo by Frank Hoare which for some reason reminded me slightly of Soulfly. This song was probably my favourite and had a fun (and at the same time dark) feel to it.
Coma Shock’s most obvious influence seems to come from bands such as Deftones. It may or may not have been coincidence that singer Phil was sporting a Deftones hoodie, but this influence is certainly a welcome one (at least in my opinion) and Coma Shock have chosen a sound which is distinctive and original (at very least on the Manchester scene), and it would be good to see them play on a larger stage to a larger audience.
A much enjoyed set!
By Rob Wakefield (Redscar)
Predator
As their name suggests, 5-piece band ‘Predator’ are amongst one of the more brutal bands you are likely to see! Their set began as it intended to go on – loud, intense, fast and furious! Probably not going to be your favourite band if subtlety and long, whistful melodies are your thing, but for fans of pure headbanging metal Predator offer a full-on, passionate and tight set which is easily enjoyed!
With frontman Adam Cropper at the front of the stage, the three guitarists in a row behind, and drummer at the rear, lined up on the small, oddly shaped retro-bar stage the five members of Predator had the appearance of a well trained army about to charge, only their weapon was a wall of (albeit very tight and well rehearsed) sound!
The set opened with the typically heavy ‘Seven scars’. Vocalist Adam (who – to give you some idea – has a similar-ish vocal style to Randy Blythe of Lamb of God) was on top form. This left the audience in no doubt as to the kind of band Predator are, and what to expect from the rest of the set! The second song ‘Rain’ offered no relent, and was played with passion. The end of this song reminded me a lot of the end of ‘One’ by Metallica (and interestingly guitarist Ste Cartmell happened to be wearing a Metallica top), and was very tightly played. ‘End this’ featured some neat lead guitar from guitarist Rob Antrobus, and ‘Nothing to do with fate’ was noticeable for a nicely arranged and executed duo between guitarists Rob and Ste.
Penultimate song ‘Your time has come and gone’ featured a pleasingly extra-heavy ending, and a very nice use of silence between the sections of the song.
The final song ‘Eyes on you’ began with a solo similar to that at the start of ‘Aerials’ by System of a Down, but immediately discarded any further similarity as this was possibly the heaviest song played tonight by Predator, and brought the set nicely to its conclusion. What conclusion was reached I’m not sure, but it certainly wasn’t pretty!
A very much enjoyed set – I will look forward to seeing Predator again!
By Rob Wakefield (Redscar)