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American Heritage / Geiger Counter - London, Po Na Na Monday 18th October 1999
So it's of to, possibly, the smallest venue in London. Opposite the Garage at Highbury Corner, this venue is probably unknown to lots of people. It's best described as someone's large living room - with bar of course! We were kept waiting for about 30 minutes from the published door opening times, due to Geiger Counter having a seized amp. (Was it seized or was it blown? mmm)

There was already a very large body of people waiting when the doors finally opened, prompting a sell-out within ten minutes!

There were two other support acts, who I'm not going to review. (I try not to make a habit of publishing bad reviews - so I won't start now!)

Geiger Counter finally made it to the minuscule stage, through the now throbbing and expectant crown. They do not disappoint. Second tune 'Caspian Sea Monster' is the track everyone now recognises. One of the stand out tracks from previous live sets, this is now available on the new 12" 'Ekranoplan' EP. They tore through this as if they were the massive KM, skimming only feet from the surface of the sea at 270mph - and weighing a massive 500 tons plus! Basically, huge, unstoppable, awe inspiring, spell binding and untouchable! The audience went wild after every track - and rightly so. This was certainly one of their best performances - and possibly inspired by touring with American Heritage. A steady stream of punters were seen afterwards, clutching their newly acquired jewel close to their hearts - 'Ekranoplan'...just go and buy it...buy it NOW!

Dogged by a blown amp early in the set, American Heritage, got off to a slow and dodgy start. But then they got going. Boy did they really get going - and going! This is full-on, in yer face, hard music. The bass is played at a thousand miles per hour - and played as if it were the lead guitar. Drums are also played at a thousand miles per hour. Guitar - again no rest, but full on...all the time, including the amp plug popping out of the instrument, but not distracting from the experience. This set leaves you breathless and wanting more. By now the crowd has been sucked into American Heritage's world, including various members of Geiger Counter, The Cardiacs and The Monsoon Bassoon - all slavering and totally awe-struck at the speed and skill of the playing!

To sum up the gig in the words of more than one punter, me included... F.U.C.K.I.N.G.H.E.L.L.!.!.!

skippy

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