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Vex Red are a 5 member, 3 guitar strong band that I had spend weeks and weeks salivating over. They are Terry Abbott (Vocals/ Guitar), Nick Goulding (guitar/ bass), Ant Forbes (Guitar/ keyboard), Ashley Soan (Drums) and Keith Lambert (Bass/ programming). As soon as I heard the tune 'Can't Smile' I was hooked. This break beat tune is simply fantastic - there is just something different about it - maybe it's the electronics or the riffs - I dunno, I know I just love it a lot. So, when I heard that Vex Red had included Fibs on their tour this time around I almost wet myself. On the basis of this one song I pestered four of my mates into joining me. On the night only about 50 (half capacity) of Fibs regulars came along. The half hour set was more than impressive; there is an element of the music that just isn't conveyed when you hear the recorded version. All the friends I forced into going agreed with this. You can't watch anything else except them while they perform; they played to a captivated yet hushed audience whose silence was only obliterated to applaud and cheer. Terry draping himself over the microphone stand to the backdrop of a hugely energetic and very talented guitarist Nick, who just enhances the sounds they produce. They held this connection with the audience and used it well. By the end of the night almost everyone was up in front of the oven like stage, toasting themselves in the knowledge that we have seen the start of something huge. There is something very cosy about performing in York's local gig venue, Fibbers. Once you have made it through the hallowed portals, musicians stand within spitting distance and play in an oven like hole in the wall to the "we-all-know-each-other" crowd. Certain people are obviously getting excited about the potential of this band. Mr. Robinson flew over to Cornwall to see the Reds rehearse on the strength of one demo tape; the result of the visit was Vex Red being the first British band to be signed to his I Am/Virgin label. He has huge names already - Amen, Slipknot, At The Drive-In and Korn are but just a few bands to name. I sincerely hope he does as well with this quintet as he has with the other big bands. Vex Red evidently love what they are doing and want to play their music to "anyone and everyone". Their alluring riffs, electronic wizardry and the abundance of emotion and passion that they all add liberally into the Vex Red recipe will leave you craving for more and more. I guarantee. Nic set-list: Closest / The Itch / Jesus Clone / Sleep / Fast Cars / Can't Smile / Start |