First up Croydon mob 'Soon the Darkness', apparently this is only their second gig and luckily unlike their first gig Tim (vocals) didn't fall over within the first five minutes. Nevertheless they were a tight four piece and had a good sound even in the church hall acoustics that are 'upstairs'. Their sound is kinda Minor Threat meets Refused with some low melodic vocals interspersing the shouting and screaming. On the whole it came across well and I for one enjoyed it. I know a lot of people I spoke to before the show were a bit apprehensive as to what Simon Wakusei (bass) and Tim's band was gonna sound like but darn it they were good. I think my girlfriend summed it up when she said 'they were a bit self-indulgent but enjoyable'.

Band number two 'San Quentin', another four piece but this time with guitar/vocals dealing a twin guitar attack. Erm what do I say, in places they were alright but most of the time they kinda just washed over me. If you like melodic guitar lines with odd half timey bits and random drum fills then go and check 'em out. Generally they weren't to my taste (as indicated by having no bands to liken them to) and they seemed to drag out and over complicate the songs.

Right moving swiftly on headliners 'Fishtake', I met Charlie (Bass) from Fishtake the other week and also heard their demo so it was a bonus for them to then play London so soon afterwards. Again a guitar/vocal led four piece, who live sound a little beefier than on record, style wise it's polished melodic punk rock. All the same I don't think they'll ever be my favourite band as it all never really lept out and grabbed me by the ear drums but I've heard a hell a lot worse. It is difficult to say 'oh fishtake sound like so-and-so' which is good as a little originality goes a long way, but I'm sure some of my more well versed friends could find some similies.

Anyway all in all an enjoyable night with two enjoyable bands and one not so good.

--Ben