Enochian Theory - Birmingham 2010

The Old Wharf, Birmingham, UK
21st March 2010
Enochian Theory, Kataleptic, Dakesis; Island Three

For any “Brummies” who've never attended a gig at the Old Wharf, you're missing something pretty unique, for this is not some recent wannabe plastic pub; this is a dyed in the wool authentic musician’s haunt where the very best in emerging and more established bands of all sorts of alternative genres come to ply their wares. It's small, really small, but you'll get a huge welcome, cheaply priced drinks and even an open fire in the yard at the back while you listen to a plethora of local and not so local talent whilst at the same time having the chance to take in the great wall art. I was there primarily to have a look at the much lauded and applauded ENOCHIAN THEORY, but before they ever got near to the stage there were no less than three support bands to enjoy.


Island Three

First up were ISLAND THREE (named after the O'Neil space colonization tubes), a local group who judging by their performance are sure to go much further. They've recently released a new six track disc that on first hearing is pretty damned good. The nice trick about these guys is they're also pretty damned good live, fusing prog rock with indie with every other genre you can shake a stick at. Strong well performed, well written songs flowed freely with a great standard of musicianship and an easy relaxed air about them. The audience loved them and they set a solid start for the rest of the night. http://www.islandthree.com/ / http://www.myspace.com/islandthree

Rating
Music: 8
Performance: 8
Sound: 7
Light: 7
Total: 7.7 / 10




Dakesis

Well, well, well... what a surprise. I wondered why the place suddenly filled with people emerging from all directions, but they knew something I didn't. DAKESIS were up next. These guys (well three guys and two girls actually) totally blew me away. Power metal is not my normal thing, but they're just so damned good that you really can't stop yourself enjoying them. They're polished; they're beyond competent with awesome technique, beautifully crafted home grown songs and stage presence that's off the scale. For me they were certainly the highlight of the whole night and the audience was in a state of frenzied appreciation by the time their last notes died. Check out their website they really mean business. http://www.dakesis.com/ / http://www.myspace.com/Dakesis

Rating
Music: 8
Performance: 9
Sound: 7
Light: 7
Total: 8 / 10






Kataleptic

KATELEPTIC came next, another Birmingham group, this time death metallers, shredding and screaming their way to oblivion and back. They were confident, tight and energised, giving a real kick to proceedings with some awesomely sick tracks. Dan the singer has great depth and range whilst all those backing him up really know how to thrash a venue within an inch of its life. Impressive! http://www.myspace.com/katalepticuk

Rating
Music: 7
Performance: 7
Sound: 7
Light: 7
Total: 7 / 10






Enochian Theory

You either love them (if you like long, elaborate, artistic and creative tracks that are more than “just” songs) or you hate them (if you like Kylie Minogue and think ‘Final Countdown’ is hard rock).They were in luck in that there was a lack of Kylie fans and the audience loved them. Modest, shy seeming even, they came to the stage with a sort of understated passion befitting the musical alchemists that they are. For those of you not familiar with them, they're a three piece prog rock outfit that hails from Portsmouth, UK, have a couple of very impressive albums / EPs under their belt and give blinding live performances. http://enochiantheory.co.uk/ / http://www.myspace.com/enochiantheoryband



Music & Performance
The audience was completely rapt, listening intently to the incisive lyrics and storming good performance. I would have liked to see them in a larger venue (great as the Old Wharf is) but aside from the limitations of stage size in truth they didn't put a foot wrong as they ran through a sadly too short setlist. It was a great night, with a great performance from a band that I personally think is one of the most original rock bands to come out of England for a decade. If you get a chance to check them out, then do so, because if you're discerning and like quality music played by those not stuck in one genre or the rut of commercialism, then these are the guys for you.

Rating
Music: 8
Performance: 8
Sound: 7
Light: 7
Total: 7.7 / 10



All pictures by Maddi Isaacs
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