Vex Red, London ULU
Vex Red (Monday November 5, 2001 2:21 PM )
Gig played on 01/11/2001 Venue: ULU (London)
Having released their first single, Vex Red head off on the road to headline a UK tour. Opening with 'Closest', it's clear that the band has grown in confidence immensely since they last played to a packed out Water Rats. Relishing the extra space the ULU stage gives them, they grind out the riffs and unleash their raw energy upon the expectant crowd.
There are many reasons why Vex Red are better than many current UK metal acts. Forget Ross Robinson and his all-important seal of approval, this band is great on their own terms. Picture if you will a moshpit trying to come to terms with the 2-step beats and samples of 'Can't Smile'. The resultant mosh/rave hybrid is a beautiful spectacle to behold. The song itself is inspired - and serves as a warning to the pretenders who are producing poor replicas of this style.
First single 'Itch' is another reason. It may not have the sheer inventive style of 'Can't Smile', but is nonetheless a cut above the rest. It is a live favourite already, and has the crowd stirred up to new levels of frenzied adoration this evening. Frontman Terry Abbott throws himself about like a crazed lunatic, his voice ranging from anguished howl to hateful hiss.
The main reason Vex Red are better than the others is the pure audacity of having their not-unattractive and charisma soaked singer bugger offstage halfway through the set and then proceed to play the most brilliant instrumental heard since never at a metal gig. It beats drum solos any day of the week.
The serious weight of 'Sleep Does Nothing For You' and the downbeat 'Start With A Strong And Persistent Desire' not only highlights Vex Red's penchant for lengthy song titles, but also show a true musical dexterity. They are not sitting in a studio churning out endless Bizkit and Korn rip-offs, they are genuinely doing their own thing, and on this evidence are heading towards some serious barrier breaking in the future.
by Luci Jameson
Gig played on 01/11/2001 Venue: ULU (London)
Having released their first single, Vex Red head off on the road to headline a UK tour. Opening with 'Closest', it's clear that the band has grown in confidence immensely since they last played to a packed out Water Rats. Relishing the extra space the ULU stage gives them, they grind out the riffs and unleash their raw energy upon the expectant crowd.
There are many reasons why Vex Red are better than many current UK metal acts. Forget Ross Robinson and his all-important seal of approval, this band is great on their own terms. Picture if you will a moshpit trying to come to terms with the 2-step beats and samples of 'Can't Smile'. The resultant mosh/rave hybrid is a beautiful spectacle to behold. The song itself is inspired - and serves as a warning to the pretenders who are producing poor replicas of this style.
First single 'Itch' is another reason. It may not have the sheer inventive style of 'Can't Smile', but is nonetheless a cut above the rest. It is a live favourite already, and has the crowd stirred up to new levels of frenzied adoration this evening. Frontman Terry Abbott throws himself about like a crazed lunatic, his voice ranging from anguished howl to hateful hiss.
The main reason Vex Red are better than the others is the pure audacity of having their not-unattractive and charisma soaked singer bugger offstage halfway through the set and then proceed to play the most brilliant instrumental heard since never at a metal gig. It beats drum solos any day of the week.
The serious weight of 'Sleep Does Nothing For You' and the downbeat 'Start With A Strong And Persistent Desire' not only highlights Vex Red's penchant for lengthy song titles, but also show a true musical dexterity. They are not sitting in a studio churning out endless Bizkit and Korn rip-offs, they are genuinely doing their own thing, and on this evidence are heading towards some serious barrier breaking in the future.
by Luci Jameson
posted by Luci @ 5:35 AM
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