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Fourth Quartet are very young and very able. They specialise in minimalist tunes, but they do it so well. From songs so quiet you could hear a pin drop, if it wasn't for the dumb asses at the back chatting, to full on guitar thrashing, these guys can do it all. They are a local band with only a couple of single releases out thus far, but already they have supported the likes of The Monsoon Bassoon and Geiger Counter. Look out for the album which should be out in a month or so's time, and buy it - you won't be disappointed. I only caught about ten minutes of Vex Red and they sounded good. Like a much harder version of Delakota. I must check them out again. On then to the main act. The Monsoon Bassoon have been weaving their magical ways around for some time now, without the recognition they deserve. Until now the biggest places they've played have been the likes of The Water Rats and Upstairs at the Garage, but tonight they play in the 1000 capacity Civic Hall with gigantic speakers. And make the most of it they do! Barney the promoter comes on to announce the band, adding that they are his favourite...if he can get a word in edgeways, that is. Hundreds of teenagers chanting "Barney, Barney, Barney" over and over again, like some sort of god - and he probably is...for there is nowhere else these youngsters can go on a Saturday night, and what better way to entertain them than some new, cutting edge, underground bands! (London venues take note!) After the first few bars the kids are already moshing and crowd surfing. This is of course Guildford stylie. Moshing means fists and feet flying and kicking the living shit out of anything that moves...even better if you can take a 100 yard run-up at the victim. Crowd surfing...mmmm...being picked up by your mates and carried by them to the stage...not passed from person to person, but walked along...how strange! But the kids don't care, they are having the time of their lives. Most of these have probably never even heard of the Bassoon, but they like where they're coming from. Bitter sweet lyrics, soaring guitars and occasional woodwind make the band totally impossible to categorise - but also make them totally awesome in the musical arena. The Bassoon have played their biggest venue and the sum result is spellbinding. It's surprising that the foundations are still solid. This band are destined for the bigger stages, with bigger sound - after all that's what they do best. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. The Monsoon Bassoon are the best band to have come out of this country in the last five years. They are one of the best live bands this island have ever seen - no, scrub that...they ARE the best live band this island has ever seen. The kids are spellbound, and already have been cast that voodoo spell by The Bassoon, and newer and younger followers have been converted. That can only be good. If you do nothing else in this world, at least go and see The Monsoon Bassoon, and prepare to be dumbstruck. My final parting - Barney, Barney, Barney - good work! skippy |