Good versus evil might be an overly loyal Leeds’ music fan’s perception of tonight’s gig with local favourites Buen Chico and Kenosha playing second and third fiddle to visitors from Oxford Dive Dive. Hand to hand musical combat begins with the joyfully raucous Kenosha who have that Nirvana/early Smashing Pumpkins/QOTSA thing going on and pump out what can only be dismissed as a dirge if you’re too dumb to notice the sheer brilliance of it all. Fingering the fret-board nimbly, the bassist fills a lot of the gaps and the snarling guitar and aggressive drumming hits you right between the eyes. Bottom of the bill shouldn’t be a position this band gets too used to but the quality’s high tonight as the excellent Buen Chico now serve to show. Whilst similarly frenetic, this band offers more in the way of harmonies and start strongly with some abrasive, catchy songs. Imagining a new –wave mixture of Pixies and Weezer might be a good way of getting closer to achieving an understanding of what this band sound like if you haven’t yet heard them but they possess a distinctive quality all of their own, especially regarding the admirably original nature of their arrangements. The quality of the performance perhaps wanes slightly towards the end but really takes nothing away from a fine set. Stacks of potential and a high level of proficiency on display from the first two acts then, and after a welcome ditty from The Engine Room crew, it only remains to be seen what Dive Dive have to offer. Are you a fan of punk edged melodic hardcore with vaguely progressive leanings?! You don’t have to be to appreciate this band because they transcend their chosen medium to create a sonic force bubbling over with energy, playing with heartfelt urgency and pinpoint directness. Twisted cleverly into their grinding song structures are lyrics that are clearly audible despite the noise levels and this makes all the difference. Undoubtedly - a gig to remember.
Will Gray
Visit The Engine Room's website
Visit Kenosha's website
Visit Buen Chico's website
Visit Dive Dive's website
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