Senser - The Haunt, Brighton - 15.11.11

SENSER
IDIOM
FLOORS AND WALLS
COLLISIONS

COLLISIONS
The Haunt is full of optimism for the resurgence of one of the 90's most standout alternative metal acts in Senser tonight, but it's Collisions who bring the early entertainment, and you've gotta take your hat off to them. Despite a typically sparse early-doors audience, the four-piece go at it like they're playing Wembley Arena, with apeshit moshing in unison instantly putting a smile on the sternest of faces. The noise they make aint bad, either - a hybrid of hardcore and metal with an effects track reminiscent of early Enter Shikari. The guitarist may have got himself and his fellow band mates permanently excluded from the venue, however, for leaping on the bar and playing half the last song walking up and down it, but you gotta admire their overall enthusiasm.


Verdict:

FLOORS AND WALLS
Much like Collisions remind of Enter Shikari, Floors and Walls put in a tight performance, mixing elements of punk and metal not unlike Rage Against the Machine, but that's probably a bit harsh considering just how impossible it is to escape being pigeonholed these days. The quartet make a decent account of themselves with some jumpy, hooky choruses, big riffs and some tight arrangements. Topped off by their frontman's okay vocals and ridiculously confident swagger (which just about keeps from setting off the 'I really want to punch you' alarm bell) they can go home pleased with their night's work.


Verdict:

IDIOM
Idiom are an interesting bunch, because they play the kind of heavy metal that you can't slate for being crap, but can't really say anything else about, either. And tonight's no different; there's nothing remotely plop about their performance - in fact they're the best of the support bunch and bring the overall quality level up a fat notch by having better songs, being far more energised, and more technically proficient. It's quality, by-the-numbers metal, but that's the problem. One does wish they would throw caution to the wind and do something entirely outrageous next time.


Verdict:

SENSER
Senser have a lot to prove to their expectant Brighton audience tonight, half of which comprises of a bunch of bored thirty-somethings (who were at Reading '94 when Senser played an amazing set high up the bill on the main stage) and the other half consisting of teenagers with nothing to do but be entertained; there's effectively nowhere for the band to hide tonight. But once some lesser known openers set the bar with the help of a quality mix and PA, there's really no need. Approving nodding aplenty from all over The Haunt sees the band sail over the first hurdle, and then obliterate the next one as they steam-roller into their seminal classic 'Stacked Up', which arrives in the form of 'Switch', 'Age Of Panic' and 'Eject' amongst others, much to the obvious glee from the thirty-something crowd who instantly come alive. The energy on stage is impressive, and the band's sound is as full as it ever was, and they still have the right attitude in spades. They might move more stiffly these days and put on a less grandiose stage production, but there's no doubting the vaguely recognisable Senser can still cut it. Now lets have another classic record, please.


Verdict:

JAMES BURT