Club 85 , Hitchin. Friday 26th March 2004.

BORDERLINE played what has to be one of their best sets ever, I’ve followed these guys since their first set at club 85 and have been able to watch them improve dramatically into the emo popsters of today. Seriously though, tonight’s set showcased the heavy side of Borderline and proved to be a good example of their originality and having the best sound they’ve ever had (with their Producer Andy Davies behind the desk) helped a lot, I sometimes think punk is a lazy explanation of Borderline but it does connect with the crowd, has a lot of energy and is stupidly catchy at times.

Borderline rammed the place and the faithful crowd were ecstatic at hearing the band. Even Rhythm guitarist Billy ‘lego man’ Rider rocked out tonight which is a perfect example of the energy in the room (if you’ve met him you’ll understand.)

Borderline’s new CD is out in the next two weeks and will be sent to various promoters and used to attack London more. If anyone wants a copy based on what they’ve just read then please email me at matt@livecircuit.net and we’ll sort it out.

BOOM IN THE DIAMOND INDUSTRY, one of club 85’s best loved local bands are a good example of the young that have grown and flown the nest. Coming back to do a special show tonight for the first time under the new name (formerly known as FOG DONKEY, so keep reading) these guys play funky hardcore but without the hardcore-ness. The riffs can be subtle yet happy and bouncy and the songs just go all over the shop. There’s an incredible bounce in this band and the really do sound like no other. Having played Big Scary Monster’s Xmas party down in London a while back seems to have done a lot for them and their rapidly growing following.

Clad in trademark white polo necks(?) the band have this wonderful interaction between everything in the band which allows them to play moments which are empty by others standards and pull it off looking cool. Most of what this band are about is making very cool music that has a bounce, This is a serious white funk outfit who are riding their own sound and could easily be massive.

I thought MASHTUN GRACE sounded a lot ‘heavier’ tonight, probably more in the way they played then what they were playing but the opening song’s main riff was just a complete steam roller and captured Mashtun Grace at their most energetic. It was also the best rendition of ‘Do your homework’ ever to creep forth from a speaker. Everything was charged tonight and it just clicked together and Mashtun Grace played a pitch perfect set and that is the only time I’ve ever said that about a band.

I think the reason that a band such as Mashtun Grace work is because of the huge variety in their sound and the fact it’s still so accessible even though it always sounds huge, either that or the fact they rock! They are one of the few bands in the scene who I will stick my neck out all the way and say that they will be huge, Any promoters reading this can feel free to contact me for details if you want to book them…I suggest you do.

Words // Matt Turner
Pictures // Simon Hill (to follow)

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• February 14, 2004 -- King Adora + Shard + Inertia

INERTIA had a funny old gig tonight because, although they had a massive audience who knew every twist and turn of their set and were loving it the whole way through, everyone agreed the result sounded shite. Neither of the singers could or even wanted to sing and were much more comfortable behind their respective instruments. In all honesty tonight saw Inertia completely out of their depth.

SHARD could do no wrong tonight, only at club 85 could a band invent a new holiday (Valentine’s Eve) and make it work. The 2 new songs displayed tonight seem to have headed off into an approach using thoughtful and catchy strong structures in order to appeal – which it does nicely. Charlie’s voice is always a stunning highlight of the set and works so well against the thin guitars, melodic bass, hook choruses and macerina dancing.

KING ADORA were a complete mystery to me, I had never heard there stuff in my life before tonight but i’m glad to say i loved it! ‘Supermuffdiver’ being the obvious highlight of the set, closely followed by the dedication of the song to anyone who was planning oral sex for the next evening. A vibrant band with an air of showmanship that was nice to see in such a rammed venue. King Adora gained a lot of new fans tonight and appeared to have a damn good time doing it.

Words // Matt Turner
Pictures // Simon Hill

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• March 26, 2004 -- Mashtun Grace + Boom in the Diamond Industry + Borderline

Last night I witnessed something totally alien to me. Not only was it alien but also extremely refreshing and a pleasure to experience. What I saw were 3 bands all REALLY ENJOYING THEMSELVES onstage. I don’t know about you, but when I see a band in fits of giggles over their own performance I know something good is going down.

The evening was started by Colour Kinesis (Not pictured – sorry!). 30 minutes of above average, melodic pop beautifully put together by clearly talented musicians.Next up were Frog Stupid. A teen-angst-punk-rock-ska 7 piece from Stevenage. Apart from the excellent use of brass I particulary enjoyed the well written vocals, especially on the brilliant political statement that is ‘I don’t want to be like America’. Pure genius. When you add the fact that all 7 members of the band appeared to be having a great time it all adds up to a near perfect performance.

Top of the bill were Take56, (rock/ska) although as it was a showcase night this was only because they arrived at the venue last!!! Coping well in the face of adversity during the first part of their set was the bass player. A broken strap, a dead mic, a broken string and a sleepy amplifier made life rather more difficult than it could have been. Nevertheless a great thumping set was pumped out, and enjoyed by all.

Check out more pics from the night in our Gallery.

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• June 11, 2001 -- Ambervoid – Live in Harlow

(Originally broadcast via our old 2010fm.com service)

To the Door:

Hope:

Get Out of the River:

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• March 22, 2002 -- Plastik – Live in London
• June 16, 2001 -- Coney Green – Live in London
• June 16, 2001 -- Mosquito – Live in London
• June 11, 2001 -- Ambervoid – Live in Harlow
• November 17, 2000 -- Scratch – Live in Leeds

(Originally broadcast via our old 2010fm.com service)

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• June 16, 2001 -- Coney Green – Live in London
• June 16, 2001 -- Mosquito – Live in London
• October 9, 2003 -- The Alleys – Live in Brighton
• June 11, 2001 -- Ambervoid – Live in Harlow
• November 17, 2000 -- Scratch – Live in Leeds

Part of the Burbs Showcase event.

(Originally broadcast via our old 2010fm.com service)

Related Posts

• June 16, 2001 -- Mosquito – Live in London
• March 22, 2002 -- Plastik – Live in London
• October 9, 2003 -- The Alleys – Live in Brighton
• June 11, 2001 -- Ambervoid – Live in Harlow
• November 17, 2000 -- Scratch – Live in Leeds

Part of the Burbs Showcase event.

(Originally broadcast via our old 2010fm.com service)

Related Posts

• June 16, 2001 -- Coney Green – Live in London
• March 22, 2002 -- Plastik – Live in London
• October 9, 2003 -- The Alleys – Live in Brighton
• June 11, 2001 -- Ambervoid – Live in Harlow
• November 17, 2000 -- Scratch – Live in Leeds

We also have some photos of this gig in the gallery.

Drugbum:

Ed:

Year 1:

(All originally broadcast via our old 2010fm.com service)

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• November 13, 2003 -- Frog Stupid + Take56 + Colour Kinesis
• October 9, 2003 -- The Alleys – Live in Brighton
• March 22, 2002 -- Plastik – Live in London
• June 16, 2001 -- Coney Green – Live in London
• June 16, 2001 -- Mosquito – Live in London
• November 17, 2000 -- Scratch – Live in Leeds

(Originally broadcast via our old 2010fm.com service)

Related Posts

• October 9, 2003 -- The Alleys -- Live in Brighton
• March 22, 2002 -- Plastik -- Live in London
• June 16, 2001 -- Coney Green -- Live in London
• June 16, 2001 -- Mosquito -- Live in London
• June 11, 2001 -- Ambervoid -- Live in Harlow