Belfast’s very own Buckfast swilling, spide hating grind machine “Lesshelp” opened proceedings and lashed through a set of 30 tracks accompanied by projected backdrops. This is their 17th gig in 18 years, and it is always an event when they do a show. On this occasion they played slightly too long and to an extent killed the impact of the gig .
Next up where newcomers “Hornets”, bounding onto the stage like springs on speed, they thrashed out a brand of hardcore with well placed melodic lines underpinning the songs all topped of with rasping shouted vocals. This band possesses all the elements of good hardcore which has the potential to make an impact on the world stage.
“Slomatics” hot on the heels of the recently released ”A Hocht” album, pummelled the crowd into submission with tracks like “Beyond Acid Canyon” and “Return to Kraken” lifted from the recent album plus a couple of older tunes from their now considerable back catalogue.”Slomatics” have had a recent line-up change introducing a new drummer/vocalist and it has worked out better than anyone could have expected. The drum patterns have become more robust and exciting and there is now a purpose to the vocals, in the past the vocals came across as an afterthought. Top notch stuff Doom Sludge Space Rock with a backdrop of the ultra weird movie “Holy Mountain”.
Last but not least Conan hit the stage with a wall of amps to die for and embarked on another assault of the senses, playing tracks from the well received “Monnos” album and the split with label mates Slomatics. Conan have the reputation of being head crushingly heavy and this was no exception, although the PA wasn’t pushed to the brink of extinction like their last visit. In all a quality Saturday evening’s entertainment all for £5.
