65DAYSOFSTATIC
PLUS: Loops Haunt and Nerdy
Heaven, London
12/05/2010
Words and Photos: Richard Heaven
The last time 65daysofstatic headlined London was over 6 months ago at the club-turned-venues Heaven in the city centre. Fast forward to May and after the release of their fourth album ‘We Were Exploding Anyway’ and a worldwide tour with The Cure they return to deafening applaud at Camden’s Koko.
Although the line isn’t exactly impressive with half an hour before doors, by the time the first support – London’s Nedry – takes to the stage there is small but interested audience starting to form. Although the lighting was scarce, it is clear that the band were truly connected to the music, blasting through the six minute plus songs like it was second nature to them. Ayu seems to switch between three personalities with ease – moving from the ethereal front women, engrossed guitarist and pedal technician like it was her calling.
Following Nedry was Scottish noise-merchant Loops Haunt. His place on the tour represents the dancier direction that the band has taken on their newest album – and it’s one which can either fly or fall. Although it is hard to get excited about a man behind a stack of electrical gear from a visual point of view, the wall of throbbing bass and twisted loops he produces combined with the genuine warmth of the artist makes it so enjoyable. A few may have treated it as a drink break, but the majority was enthralled.
Despite their new found popularity their seems to be a good proportion of the people you would expect at a 65daysofstatic concert – fans of prog, electro and metal in equal measure – with the scene kids tonight. Considering the amount of talk about the band in recent months it is refreshing to see that the audience tonight is as generally passionate about the band and not there for the credibility points.
The band themselves give us what we all expect – an intense, non-stop set which leaves you feeling annihilated but also blessed for being lucky enough to witness such a spectacle. New tracks show 65dos as a band which have come on leaps and bounds since their first album – indeed, Joe has began to accept his role as a innovator of progressive rock with moments of rockstar indulgence and banter. Old favourites such as Retreat! Retreat! Rub shoulders with new material such as Tiger Girl (which, quite honestly, could easily run with any of Opeth’s more progressive pieces in the live arena) and Await Rescue.
