HiTechJet, Leeds Packhorse
This was always going to feel a bit weird; having a load of bands from my local area playing in a poorly decorated pub on the other side of the country, especially as due to a lack of venues this line-up is not likely to happen back home and believe it or not, I hadn’t actually seen most of these bands before. So I wasn’t going to miss a chance like this to support my local scene no matter how obscure the circumstances. Although there wasn’t that many people at the show, due to the Packhorse’s intimacy it felt pretty full and it got really hot and sweaty within a few minutes of the bands playing.
DRIVING ON THE RIGHT were first up on the paradoxically stage-less stage. The indie-rock crossover four piece belted out some memorable songs with choruses so mesmerising I found myself completely lost in them. Unfortunately DOTR seemed to have a few technical difficulties and as a result, from where I was anyway, it was hard to hear the lead guitar, which was a bit of a shame as it looked like he was doing some interesting stuff. I’m definitely going to have to check them out again sometime soon. (6.5)
When WITHOUT CAUSE came on stage I didn’t really know what to expect. What we were treated to was some meaty metal riffs juxtaposed with some raw, emotive vocals. Although only a three piece, WC created a really loud and powerful sound and had a shit load of presence. What fascinated me, and kept me nodding like Bulldog throughout their set was the drumming. Seriously, it was so immense and possibly the best thing you’re likely to hear this side of a DRAGONFORCE album. (7)
To call THAT FATEFUL DAY a post hardcore band would take a lot away from them as they notably play in the same backyard as QUICKSAND rather than PMFS and furthermore they must have attended the Walter Schreifels’ school of song writing. Not that this is a bad thing at all, in fact, they were rather good. An incredibly energetic performance which saw more leads flying around than at an unruly dog show. It’s always good to see a band totally go for it, especially when the crowd is rather static and to finish off they ended their set with the possible anthem in waiting ‘Disconnect’, it’s still ringing in my head now. (7)
Tonight was all about HITECHJET though, probably one of the best performances I’ve seen this year. I haven’t seen the ‘Jet since October and in that time they’ve written a shit load of new material which, to be frank, is awesome; I was more than blown away by it. Like TFD, HTJ really rocked out hard tonight, within seconds of the opening song bassist Bev, was on the floor, great stuff. HTJ combine all the genres covered by each band tonight and that gives them their unique sound; Powerful and heavy in the right places whilst quieter, softer and generally more delicate in others and often all in the same song. This melting pot of styles could easily lead this band to successes well outside the punk field and with performances this strong; I hope it won’t be too long. (9)
Mike
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