Counter Clash + The Asylum Seekers + Apnia + Knights Of Treason - Messclean, Portsmouth. 29/07/05

Looks like I've walked in on Punk covers night which really isn't my sort of thing. I mean I love punk but not cover bands as there's too much good original stuff out there but looks like some people enjoy their trips down memory lane. First up are Knights Of Treason who cover all your standard tunes, they can play well but just plod along without much energy while The Asylum Seekers do the same only with more gusto and belief. Counter Clash provide a decent run through of Clash numbers, they obviously have a great love for The Clash and it shows in their playing.

Apnia are not a covers band, nor are they punk and this is an odd bill for them to be on but they hit it head on and come out as the best band of the night by a long shot. Apnia are a seductively dark beast, I suppose some may say they veer towards goth metal as they have that dramatic air about them but they are harder than that with Ryan providing nailed down beats and a barrage of riffing supporting front lady Laura who looks quite delicate but has a big voice and the kind of eyes that you do not want to make conatct with because they are too darn scary. She controls the stage and is not afraid to look right into your soul as she commands your attention which makes for a good if slightly unnerving gig if you happen to be near the front. Well worth checking out if you like big dramatic metal with a dark edge.