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Taking the versatile dynamics of the original crossover-metal hybrid, and pretty much reinventing them from source, Aconite Thrill are a hardcore band indulging themselves in hip-hop and scratchy funk; a band who can switch between irresistible pop hooks and raging punk without thinking, and do so with great style and passion. It is this combination of energising intensity and perfect melodic sensibility that make Aconite Thrill such a... well... thrilling proposition, fronted by an evangelical vocalist and trying their damnedest to destroy this cramped stage by charging around it and into each other. A young band with such obvious and effusive potential is rare. You WILL be hearing much more from them. This is Sikth's first London headline show, not before time, and even when not at their absolute best, they are still one of the most amazing live bands in the capital. Truly it is the sound of hell unleashed, the dark and discordant barrage of Converge, augmented by the schizophrenic vocal stylings of maybe Incubus or Deftones. They stalk on under the cover of pulsing, reverbing feedback and immediately launch themselves into an elusive, shredding groove with all their beings. There is an intense craziness to the music almost to the point where they are indeed the 'heavy-metal Cardiacs', their apparently chaotic arrangements belying a depth of guitar tone and ability to introduce atmospheric contrast as well as destroy everything in their path. The dual vocals, by turn melodic, garbled, screamed and guttural, with the chiming jazz-influenced guitar picking, adds another dimension to the relentless carnage. 'Hold My Finger' may be the most accessible, but the rest of their half-hour set is just as energising and equally satisfying. Major national recognition is surely there for the taking, and with a new CD out next month, Sikth can soon have the UK metal scene at their mercy. After that, who knows...? Steve |