We're back in Leeds for the 11th StrangeForms festival. Of course we are.
BIRDWITCH: Off to a grand start with these folks, Norwich based - but partly from Scotland - doomgazers. Rousing stuff, and a big voice from such a slight figure of a singer. Draw a good sized crowd, which is nice for an opening act.
VIDEO: https://youtu.be/EqdaMY3n0Ww https://www.facebook.com/Birdwitch
LAST OF EDEN(L.O.E.): Hefty post-rock. First band of the weekend to have a member join the crowd. There isn't a video for this, because I fucked up somehow. I have video, and I have audio, but they don't match. Which is annoying, because they were more than decent. But barely visible.
https://www.facebook.com/weareloemusic
AS LIVING ARROWS: The first band (of only 4) of the weekend that I've seen before, and happy to see them again. Chunky post-emo-screamo-metal
VIDEO: https://youtu.be/72Ia7XWHpyo https://www.facebook.com/aslivingarrows.band
FORLORN: Self-described as 'Midsommar metal', stirring stuff with songs of paganism, mythology and folk horror. From that leafy green centre of mysticism, London.
VIDEO: https://youtu.be/BHOogmZVIO8 https://www.facebook.com/weareallforlorn
GOD ALONE: Ridiculously skilful explosive dance-math from Cork, and the second of my previously-seen bands. I STILL have no idea how they do it. Inevitably, some of them end up in the crowd.
VIDEO: https://youtu.be/ai3P4WSGELs https://www.facebook.com/godalonecork
COLOSSAL SQUID: Drummer/producer Adam Betts in his squid costume. Gets off to a false start with his computer acting 'like a twat'. Sound cards don't like excessive vibration, apparently. Once sorted, he batters several shades of shit out of his kit and is enormously entertaining. Previously seen act #3.
VIDEO: https://youtu.be/iH1pE40UyBI https://www.facebook.com/colossalsquidmusic1
KNIVES: Blistering punk noise. With a saxophone. And a very turbulent crowd.
VIDEO: https://youtu.be/moxXO_aiY9Y https://www.facebook.com/knivesnoise
VIDEO: https://youtu.be/iH1pE40UyBI https://www.facebook.com/colossalsquidmusic1
KNIVES: Blistering punk noise. With a saxophone. And a very turbulent crowd.
MERYL STREEK: Irish 'council house lad' raging against injustice and the cruelty of modern society with a soap-box, a laptop and a flashing torch. Entertainment or education? Why not both? Something to think about on the way home from the show.
VIDEO: https://youtu.be/Mf2wRaXPshA https://www.facebook.com/merylstreek
