Miscellaneous - Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth, 26//11/2005
by Andy Vincent
published: 27 / 11 / 2005
intro
Hardcore rockers Alexisonfire have a rapidly expanding reputation. At the Wedgewood Rooms in Portsmouth, Andy Vincent enjoys a confident set of old and new songs
My second gig of the week was one that I was very much looking forward to. Emmanuel pulled out of their support slot, being replaced by Blood Roses, a band that are very much part of the new breed of "emo-hardcore." They sound very much like Funeral for a Friend during their 'Four Ways to Scream Your Name' days, although they are probably a weaker version - despite this the band played well and the relatively young crowd got very much into it. You could see the energy during songs such as 'The Red Suit Cavalcade' and 'Eclipse the Sun', but they are shamefully an act that will probably drop off the radar when the new trend comes into place despite playing what they play well. Next up were Johnny Truant. The Brighton based 4 piece tore through a very hardcore set, playing songs from both new and old albums, and showing that they really love what they do. I did think, however, that their vocals were rather disappointing and because of the acoustics of the venue the majority of their sound was drowned out beneath these and cymbals. Despite this, those members of the crowd that knew the music still showed their energy and enjoyment. The crowd and group's intensity grew to its pinnacle during 'The Bloodening' which out of the whole night created the best reaction. A relatively underwhelming performance although the few Johnny Truant fans in the crowd fully appreciated it and showed it throughout. Finally, Alexisonfire took to the stage to a massive surge in the crowd. Playing a large mix of old and new songs the band really worked the crowd, pushing themselves and their audience to the limit. With songs like '44 Caliber Love Letter' and 'Polaroids of Polar Bears' they showed both their confidence and ability. Their cutting hardcore contrasted excellently with their beautiful melodies, and you could easily see why they are speedily putting weight behind them and are a group to watch. Both audience and band finished the set looking exhausted, but incredibly satisfied.
Picture Gallery:-
most viewed articles
current edition
The Church - Interview with Steve KilbeySimon Heavisides - Destiny Stopped Screaming: The Life and Times of Adrian Borland
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #15- On Being Dignified and Old aka Ten Tips From Jah Wobble On How To Be Happy.
Secret Shine - Interview
Vetchinsky Settings - Interview
Repomen - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Jack Roscoe - Interview
Near Jazz Experience - Interview
Sami Sumner - Interview
Flaming Stars - Interview
previous editions
Heavenly - P.U.N.K. Girl EPPrisoners - Interview
Joy Division - The Image That Made Me Weep
Allan Clarke - Interview
Michael Lindsay Hogg - Interview
Jimmy Nail - Interview
Jonny Fluffypunk - Interview
Joy Division - The Image That Made Me Weep
Dwina Gibb - Interview
Bluebells - Interview with Ken McCluskey
most viewed reviews
current edition
Lewis 'Burner' Pugh - Bullets for BreadIan Hunter - Defiance Part 2: Fiction
Inutili - A Love Supreme
Kula Shaker - Natural Magick
Smalltown Tigers - Crush On You
Hillbilly Moon Explosion - Back in Time
David Cross Band - Ice Blue Silver Sky
My Life Story - Loving You is Killing Me
Beyonce - Cowboy Carter
Ty Segall - Three Bells
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart