Review
EXIT TEN
PLUS: Fei Comodo, Never Means Maybe and The Fall of Science
The Waterfront, Norwich
21st November 2011
Words and Photos: Charlie Wallis
Norwich’s own The Fall of Science are first up tonight and they strike me as a band that want to prove they can hold their own with the big hitters at the top of the bill. It’s always hard for a six man outfit in the Waterfront Studio as the stage leaves little room to move…or breathe… The Fall of Science, however manage to make the most of what they’re given and this attitude is similarly matched by their technical proficiency. All in all the local boys set a high standard or musicianship and showmanship for the other acts to beat.
The Fall of Science
Never Means Maybe are up next and work hard to gain the attention of the steadily growing crowd. Vocalist Renz Byrne carries the weight of this bands stage presence throwing himself into every moment of the set and making a real effort to connect with the crowd. You get the sense that the music Never Means Maybe has it’s sights set on much larger venues meaning that occasionally some of the more epic moments fall slightly flat, but their ambition is clear and next year could spell big things for this band.
Never Means Maybe
Fei Comodo are bang on form tonight and manage to immediately create an atmosphere you would expect in a much bigger venue. The sound is as tights as it is deafening, opening with everyone’s favourite ‘Break The Ice’ and the place just explodes with energy. The way in which lead singer Marc Halls holds the audience in the palm of his hand is captivating as they rip through their set.
It’s hard not to feel as though Fei Comodo have been largely underrated in the past or certainly underexposed for a band of their talents. However, if tonight’s performance is anything to go by, Fei Comodo seem ready to take their place in the big leagues of the alternative music scene.
Fei Comodo
Exit Ten take a while tonight to hit their stride. For the first few songs the energy is somewhat lacking and with the lack of much of a light show (down to the venue) they struggle initially to create the intense atmosphere they rely on.
Something happens about halfway through their set however, and the performance really starts to click. Lead singer Ryan Redman manages to engage with the crowd perfectly with one foot placed firmly on the monitor demonstrating a commanding presence. The sound is perfect and new material is received well though the excitement is distinctly palatable when the classic tracks are unleashed, in particular the inclusion of ‘Technically Alive’ and firm favourite ‘Resume Ignorance’.
Exit Ten
Exit Ten end on ‘Lion’, which at first seems like an odd choice to close the set on but as the song build and the various layers are added it builds into an epic conclusion to the evening. All in all after an arguably shaky start Exit Ten play a solid set and end the night on a firm high.
