Serotonin + FOBA + Strict Machines + Shadow Cast - Messclean, Portsmouth. 05/08/05

Shadow Cast do a nice line in alt-rock though they need to drop the Oasis and Stereophonic covers as their own material shines brighter than the two blandest bands in the world. At times a slight Placebo edge comes into view and you really want them to move into art rock territory and spill over with the noise but they hold back and look a little self-conscious. It's promising but not quite there yet.

The trio of Strict Machines are an unusual mixture of influences, a real love of rock n roll fighting with pop comes across; it's raw and primal music fronted by a sultry goth looking lady who is the obvious focus but one can't help be distracted by the unusual technique of the guitar player who throws out swampy Cramps style riffs with ease. An original band who are not easy to label which is a good thing as it means they are doing something just a little bit different and I like it a lot.

Friends Of Brutal Architecture are just too nice; yeah, they are fine musicians and have odd flashes of greatness but they sound like the sort of band your Dad might play in the car thinking it's rock. That's not to say you can't tap your foot along but ultimately if you want rock n roll danger then look elsewhere.

Now Serotonin have been gathering a bit of interest and on this performance it's easy to see why as they rip through a set that wouldn't sound out of place next to bands like Muse and Serafin, a deep throbbing bass acting as an anchor while the guitar freaks out in wails of noise and dramatic vocals float off on the debris. It's a fine blend of hearty melodies doing battle with noise and makes for an epic sound that could well see them break out of Portsmouth. Considering the sound limitation of the venue they manage to sound massive and fill the packed venue with thier dense attack of wholesome indie rock. They even manage a true rock n roll ending by throwing their instruments down and walking off and I say top marks for putting in a great effort despite it only being a small gig.