Sheer Attack

Maguire’s Pizza Bar

27/05/17

This was my gig at Maguire’s Pizza Bar and i was almost as excited to see the venue as i was for the gig itself. It is a cool little spot to hold smaller gigs as it isn't a huge place. Even though this was a sell out gig it never felt uncomfortable, unlike some smaller venues that can tend to over sell. And to be honest what’s not to like about a somewhere that is a bar, pizza place and a venue. With great options for vegan pizza too! I managed to stuff my face between bands. The only negative thing i've got to say is the sound for the entire night probably wasn't as strong as it could have been, which was a shame. But all in all great bill of bands put together by Baitin’ The Trap promotions at a cool little venue.

Abominate

The show opened with strong 90s metallic hardcore vibes from newcomers Abominate. Chugging meat head riffs were delivered at a trudging pace with outbursts of speed bringing energy to their sound. Gravely barked vocals delivered lyrics filled with anger and anti-capitalist sentiment. Screeching thrashy solos added a stylish edge to their sound.Their sound delivers heavy amounts worship for bands like Earth Crisis with moments that had strong vibes if Arise era sepultura. It was the first show from these guys and unfortunately this did show as their performance could have been tighter, but this will come with experience and playing more shows. Although they aren’t really breaking the mold in any way it was nice to see a band bringing that crushing 90s hardcore sound and I’m excited to see these guys tighten up their performance as they play shows in the future.

6/10

Horsebastard

Horsebastard are one of the more bracing and challenging powerviolence bands in the Uk at the moment. Their ferocious live performances deliver a barrage of songs at breakneck speeds with very little down time. Snare heavy drums cut a machine gun beat through their sound. Their entire sound is completely unrelenting as they thrash out short violent burst of noise. Unfortunately this wasn’t Horsebastard at their best. Normally these guys can change tempo on a dime but it didn't feel any where near as tight as they can be or have been at previous shows. Luckily this didn’t phase front man Chris Reece, who as usual stole the show. This guy is absolute tornado of energy that always delivers a performance dripping with intense charisma as he shrieks out his cryptic, paranoid lyrics.   

7/10

Dysteria

Next up london based Dysteria brought their crusty d-beat sound to the bill. Fast paced crunchy guitars riffs occasionally broke down to moments of uncomfortably slow trudge making for another performance that felt unrelenting. Their drummer held the entire performance together perfectly crashing out classic d-beat drum beats. Screamed and half snarled vocals were delivered from a singer that had a wild glint in her eyes and animalistic charisma. Her confrontational stage presence was something to behold. This was the first time I’ve managed to catch these guys and i wasn’t disappointed by their tight, intense performance that even managed to coax some movement out of the crowd.

8/10

Sheer Attack

Finally Sheer Attack finished off the night with their take on early 80s hordcore. Thick bass lines were paired up with bouncy 3 chord punk riffing. Snotty belligerent vocals were shouted over top the rest of the band tying their sound together. A ropey start to their performance was quickly brought back and didn’t seem to phase the audience. Everything about their performance was fun. Their energy was electric and contagious as the crowd rarely stopped dancing. Their music oozes coolness with their 80s hardcore and skate punk vibes thats also has moments of punk ‘n’ roll. It is real party music and I can see their EP spending a lot of time on my turntable.

8/10