HiTechJet, Arts Centre, Norwich
Wembley Rugby Club
I knew I was going to feel old at this show but nothing could have prepared me the armies of pre-pubescent kids that swarmed into the venue like a moth to a flame. On top of this and apart from me feeling like I was in a casting session for a MARILYN MANSON video they were all wrecked on whatever alco-pops they could find; the lenient bar was, well, overly lenient to my surprise. Other exploits I encountered was a girl who couldn’t have been more than 12 asking me for Rizla and another girl practically giving her friend a bunk up to use the cigarette machine. With this type of debauchery going on I not only realised why school teachers want more money but I was wondering if anyone would actually pay attention to any of the bands playing - answer: not really.
Local hardcore four piece TWICE OVER had the first attempt at trying to tame an unruly mob of kids who looked as if they’d consumed more additives than you’d find in McDonalds kitchen, but with little success. That’s not to say TWICE OVER are not a good band because they are and when you combine some strong features you’re always going to get a winning formula, i.e. really aggressive riffs, loads and loads of stage presence and vocals more abrasive than industrial strength bleach (I made a typo in my last review of these guys- so hopefully this corrects it). TWICE OVER have a lot of potential and I’m expecting good things from them. (6.5)
Brighton’s emotive punk rock heroes POINDEXTER were up next and also tried to whip up encouragement/enthusiasm amongst the crowd but when there’s scores of kids sitting across the front of the stage and texting each other you know any resuscitation attempts are going to be in vein. POINDEXTER rocked out regardless but unfortunately they were dogged by an awful sound which almost made their entire set unlistenable, I do usually complain about bad sounds, but they must have really pissed of the sound-guy tonight. It was a shame as they were full of energy and generally impressed me as I knew the majority of the songs they played, but for anyone else who didn’t know them, it would have been hard to tell just how good they are.(7)
Local everything-core legends HI-TECH JET had somehow managed to combat the terrible acoustics of the venue which made things a tad more bearable although the overall sound was less than pleasant. This victory over the sound automatically made them the best band of the night but there were of course other factors involved. HTJ are pretty much unlike any other band in the country right now in that they combine just about every rock sub-genre under the sun and usually all in one song and where so many bands have failed, they don’t sound like a disjointed mess and they most certainly can pull it off live. Brian’s deep and aggressive voice works amazingly with the powerhouse drumming and guitars whether they’re on clean setting or with the rock factor turned up to 11. This band deserves big things. (8)
THE HOLIDAY PLAN were on stage next but after 30 minutes seeming like an eternity waiting for them to come on I’d had enough and left. From what I’ve heard they played only a handful of songs lasting less time than it took them to come on stage, I can’t say I blame them though; there can’t have been much interest as the majority of kids had stayed out over their bedtime or had been carted off in a paralytic state.
So, am I getting old and boring or was this a really bad show to be at? I’m not sure if I want the answer as most of the kids there seemed to be having fun, although not really paying attention to the music. I saw some good bands which always helps to save a bad night but the awful sound of the venue and the feeling I had gate-crashed a youth club disco didn’t really offer me much comfort.
Mike
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