KARN8 @ The Boileroom, Guildford 20/05/10
KARN8 @ The Boileroom, Guildford 20/05/10
by Ringmaster 
Were the whispers and rumblings valid, was there a band emerging that would make a bigger splash than the Bearded Lady off the high board at the local pools? Well always only one way to find out, and thankfully the opportunity came at the Boileroom, Guildford.
First I have to say, I have seen and been to a few venues in my carny years, and The Boileroom never fails to impress. Small, compact but with a sound and expertise that always compliments any band that plays there, they deserve any and all praise they get or should get.
As it seems with the Guildford crowds, or maybe it is just I am old school in wanting to see a whole line up of bands, ok and yes some might say just ringing every cent of worth out of my £5 hehe, most do not stroll in until later in the night, so for a band first up it is not the best situation, coming out to 15 or so faces. Wake up Guildford!!
So to that THE ZONE played their set, eagerly and determined to put on a show. 4 bands on the bill meant a short set, so they set about entertaining with their usual quality. Only the third show for new drummer Jon Parry, his energetic style adding to J.C.’s striking bass, with a touch of the barracuda bass sound of The Stranglers which always goes down well with me, whilst Dave Browett’s guitar showed all his quality. They played tracks from their new EP ‘The Time We Have’, with the track ‘Just a Song’ being the one that really got the attentive crowd giving the reaction the response it deserved, as well as some older favourites, ending with The’ Zone’. Whistles and applause greeted the end of the set, deserved and received.
Next up was a band from London, LOST IN WONDERLAND.
LIW is a solo project from singer songwriter Alexis Demetriou. Forming a 4 piece band to play his songs, this band delivered their songs with an assured manner that got the increasing crowd animated. Of course it helped that many were friends but hey that exuberance is infectious so soon the crowd, 30 strong, were joining in to make the set one to watch. Their sound is obvious in its influences, Nickelback, Shinedown, Staind could all be heard in tracks like ‘ Father Time’ and ‘Wonderland’ but do not make the mistake thinking they are a copy, Alexis’s songs add and expand on any influence and the result is truly theirs, his vocals complimenting their sound and he has gathered a group of very able musicians to bring the best from his writing. Early days maybe? but a band to watch for sure.
Following into a similar sized crowd as their fans replaced the fans of the previous band, leaving to enjoy the garden and talk to their friends no doubt, DEAD FAMOUS. A young 4 piece band looked a touch nervous as they waited to begin their performance waiting for final checks, but as they broke into their first song they showed a confidence in their material that was justified. Good vocals, solid bass and drum work were backed up by some strong and at times impressive guitar work. Unfortunately not being able to find the band on sites to give more details, I can only give you the guitarist, the vocalist haha, but again a band to check out. Maybe yet to find their defining sound but there is a strong basis built for sure. Only criticism I would have, and it’s more of a personal thing maybe, was the guitar solos. No doubting the guy’s ability, but to end a couple of song with what seemed like a 40 sec solo to me left the singer standing , not really knowing what to do, like a soldier in no man’s land haha, but maybe it is my problem not theirs.
Finally it was time to see if the murmurings were right. Karn8, the 3 piece rockers from London just finishing their ‘Dirt Tour’ were up, with singer Kist brandishing a smile of such glory, only one person has ever excelled it for this word doodler. She is sneaky though, moment she hit the stage, the true rock n roller came out, taunting, abusing, in the crowds faces, yes this is what rock should really be like. Karn8 hit hard, hit fast, no evading their punches and for sure no one wanted to. Everyone was in the room, fans, previous bands, everyone had come for this, and they were not going to be disappointed. Leigh on drums takes no prisoners, I am sure I saw the snare hold up a white flag at one point, Bones on guitar is a maestro, no needless guitar solos here, every sound he crafts, powers their songs and grabs your attention. I say on guitar, as I hear bass too, where is he hiding? Technology always astounds this clown, whose musical talent ends at the iPod, so how Bones brings 2 sounds into one instrument simultaneously, is beyond me, but he does perfectly all that matters. The band generate a raw power not always instantly apparent on their great debut album ‘Of All The Strange Things’, and with the stunning and sensually strong voice of Kirst, they have the crowd enthralled, so much so that they stare and smile instead of getting down to groove to the tunes, but put a sexy lady in front of young lads what do you expect hehe. She was not having it though demanding, cajoling the crowd,’yeah I’m bitch’, watch out ladies there is a new Queen of rock n roll on the horizon. I have to wonder how long the queue to the bar was when she demanded drinks were bought for her haha.
Though a short set, the songs such as ‘Where The Fires Play’, my favourite, and ‘Wasteland’ makes this gig one of the most impressive seen in a long time. They have shared stages with such luminaries as The Kings of Leon, Youmeatsix and Attack! Attack! and I have no doubts soon they will be the notch on other upcoming bands; their claim to glory on their musical resumes ‘we supported Karn8’. With a further gig at the Boileroom June 24th and part of Guilfest July 16th the summer is looking dirty.
So a good night’s music ending with a band everyone should make the effort to see. Effort? nope no effort only pleasure I assure you all.
Ringmaster pj22/05/10
http://www.myspace.com/liwmusic
