REVIEW: volcano! and others
volcano! and others
The Wheatsheaf, 24 May
Tonight The Wheatsheaf was host to a number of unconventional bands that refused to express themselves through the customary verse/chorus format. Itch were first to play, and they rewarded the small crowd with an absorbing volatility that pushed their songs in unlikely directions. Just when a chorus threatened to form, the melodies evolved further and the songs moved on without noticeable repetition. The same could not be said for the next band: Molia Falls.
After a promising, atmospheric start to their instrumental assault, the Swedes did not vary much between songs. This lack of depth gradually became more apparent and, although their technical ability was obvious, they just were not interesting. Secondsmile were able to reinvigorate the crowd with their instantly likeable post-hardcore sound.
They consistently lured the listeners in with soft, clean guitars before unleashing soaring, melodic hardcore riffs, and stirring echo effects were put to good use as they added further intensity to the songs. Any hint of a chorus was again strictly avoided in favour of allowing the music to continue to change direction. After Secondsmile, we were treated to Chicago based volcano!, who played a set full of compelling, progressive art-rock juddering between the calm and the frantic.
volcano!’s music is far from accessible, and the crowd seemed startled when confronted with its apparently chaotic nature, but all the elements contributed to the overall sound. Tiny bells were rung, cymbals were scraped with drumsticks, and crazy synth-led sounds appeared, with the underlying melodies and the continuously adapting beats always maintaining control.
Set closer, Apple Or a Gun, proclaimed as “a song you can break dance to” by front man Aaron With, was sung with a desperately endearing urgency, and was undoubtedly the highlight of the evening.
1st Jun 2006