Fightstar, Leeds Cockpit
I arrived at this evenings show with a lot of enthusiasm. Tonight 3 bands were set to perform, all of which I had some interest in watching. Out of the 3 bands, one I love, one I “dislike” (I could use a stronger word,) and one, I’ve heard little by, but their back ground suggests I could easily be converted. Anyone who knows me, or has read my reviews in the past is quickly going to pick up on which way round that is. If you don’t, then I’m sure by the end of this short segment, you’ll have clues you’ll need….
So tonight’s openers were the fantastic HOLLYWOOD ENDING, (there’s your first clue.) Looking tired and frail, the band rips into their set with heavy chugging guitars, and the powerful drum and bass combo that I have now become familiar with. Despite being a massive fan of the group, I think even by their own admittance, the guys weren’t at their best tonight, and where as at other shows the band would have taken their performance one step further, to me they never seemed to get fully going or “out of first gear,” as some may put it. Maybe that’s just me and I’m judging Hollywood Ending too hard, but there were a few definite errors and the whole performance seemed slow. Still, their were plenty of songs that got excellent crowd response, and the people that I was with, who had heard the band on record, but hadn’t seen them live were still mightily impressed by the energetic four-piece, in particular tracks like “New Day Rising,” “You To Myself,” and “25-17.” No doubt this will be the first of many summer ventures from the Mighty Atom band, so hopefully they’ll be out in full force again soon. (7)
Next to take the stage was HE’s label buddies CRY FOR SILENCE. The London quintets E.P had dropped through the post the other day and on an initial but I must add very rushed first listen it hadn’t really given me much to bite into which I had been disappointed by. However, judging the band from this live performance, I was soon getting into their lightning speed, riff orientated set. If any band tonight had brought the balls, it was Cry For Silence and their raw and powerful performance had many of this evenings amateur music fans in attendance leaving the room, making space for the proper music fans who actually appreciate real screaming and not just “Charlie from Busted’s heavy band.” (Did I just say that?) What I liked about Cry For Silence was the way the front man conducted himself, he really opened himself up to the audience and got around the stage, whilst his voice was full of energy and conviction. Can’t wait to see these guys again soon. (9)
Another band headlined, I can’t remember much about them. Someone said that the singer used to be in a pop band or something…
Pete Punktastic
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