The roadhouse was the venue... the smallest venue on the entire planet (And yes I have been to the Cornerhouse and Leeds Duchess of York!). Also home of the lamest stage diving in history.
'A' were the perfect melodic hardcore band to start the evening off. The most well known band on the bill, although similarities with China Drum did spring to mind, mainly due to the insane on-stage antics. The addition of a sampler to the
sound was a bonus, as well as some very cool guitar riffs (including weird country ones in Number 1!). The show finished with a fan onstage singing the final song with Jason Perry merely a bemused onlooker.
Glitterbox came on playing a very obscure Flaming Lips song going by the name of Plastic Jesus (Ok its a traditional song that they re-worked, but that's not the point!) Unfortunately the
sound was against them, with the second vocals almost inaudible and the guitars out of tune. They were left sounding like a 3rd rate Manics, which was not a good state of affairs (However I did get a 3 track CD of them in my Kerrang Goodie Bag HOORAY which proved that they did have good songs, we just couldn't hear them tonight). The singer was quite a character though, with lots of chat between the songs - if he doesn't make it with these, he can always make it on the comedy circuit.
Manbreak were a great way to finish - apparently a rap metal band, but not in the macho style of Biohazard, more funky shit. There was one song you should know (Kop Karma) "These are the things that make me mad, These are the things that make me crazy..." You'll know it when you hear it, if not I'll play it to you! 2 Singers, one from the rap school, one from the rock school... very balanced, very cool
How ace are joint headline type tours...
Quotes of the gig:
"We'll be out of here so fast you'll think we've nicked something" -
Manbreak (well they are from Liverpool alright alright calm down)
"This songs called Houdini, fuck knows why!" - Glitterbox
"Pretend we're Manowar" (cue many devil signs) - A
"If you believe in re-incarnation, then just remember if you come back as a hedgehog, to use the Green Cross code" - Manbreak
"Is my guitar out of tune? Ah fuck it!" - Glitterbox
"Big brother is watching you and he's big and fat and bald" - Manbreak