Ultio/ Overproof/ Start The Hourglass - Black Horse - 28th March 2008

Apologies have to go to headliners Musta Talvi for my disappearance before their set, think I have hit gig overload this week! Fellas I will keep an eye on your gig schedule and come and see you soon (threat or promise you decide!). Good to have a chat with the bass player though.

Start The Hourglass were up first. Difficult set for them. It would appear, as the evening progressed, that the majority of the audience had arrived early to see Overproof who were scheduled to be on first. Consequently, whilst they were soundchecking they were playing to a fairly large gathering. Sound was terrible for them from the off, with both the lead guitar and singer's microphone having major feedback problems. Then at the end of the first song the same guitarist had a string break. Looked at one point as though he was prepared to call it a night there and then, thankfully Dom from Overproof stepped into the breach and loaned him his BC Rich, fair play to you. Whilst this was going on the singer nervously tried to keep the crowd entertained before the rest of the band launched into a jazz improvisation! Back to business as normal they concluded their set. They play a type of modern prog, long songs with lengthy quiet sections before chaotic extreme metal sections kick in. Played three songs, set closer alone lasted ten minutes. Unfair to judge them tonight, they are a young band who, hopefully, will play many a trouble-free set before they encounter another night like this. Drummer will probably look back on this and chuckle as this was his last performance with the band.

Overproof. Had a good chat with Dom the rhythm guitarist just before the set. He apologised in advance for their potentially haphazard display as he had already been celebrating his birthday. Hope your hangover isn't too bad! However you needn't have worried; if this was a bad night at the office, I can only begin to imagine what you sound like when you are on form. They play high octane rock and roll and clearly enjoy what they do. Mark undertakes lead vocal and guitar duties and is an enormously confident frontman. Dom, despite your concerns, you put in a more than adequate performance. The rhythm section of the enormous "The Bev" on bass and Jasmine on drums complete this biker/stoner Southern-tinged outfit. Speaking of outfits, Jasmine can you please wear a longer skirt next time I see you play? Trying to watch your feet during the faster sections to see if you were using a single pedal or the kicker was fraught with danger! Despite your diminutive stature you certainly hit a kit hard. Thanks to Mark for the setlist which was "Beer," "V-Twin," "Relentless" (apt-title), "Bastard" and "Overproof". Lead guitar was a little bit low in the mix, otherwise couldn't fault them. Hope your forthcoming stint in the studio goes well and keep me posted when the EP's finished!

Ultio were the main reason I was at this gig as I'd offered to do a live review to follow up my thoughts on their EP. Thanks to all the band for the lengthy and interesting chats pre- and post-set - cheers fellas. They combine a down-tuned sludge/extreme sound with a considerable amount of underlying groove. You don't see many bands where the two guitarists favour seven strings (BC Rich and Ibanez - nice!) and have a five string bassist, Theoktony and Lacuna Coil being the obvious two that spring to mind. Have seen them play a song or two on a couple of occasions but tonight was the first time I'd seen a full set. Hugely enjoyable throughout, they are tight as a band, and develop immense power during the slower sections. Songs are well constructed and never hit warp-factor during the faster sections although they would still be classed as extreme enough for most. Started tonight with "Mr Charlie" with the older songs from their repertoire being "5 Years Fighting", "Straight Jacket" and "Room". Concluded the set with their two newest songs (both off the EP) "Faith" and "The Art Of Procrastination" which worked extremely well live. Assured performance, they are also off to the studio soon; hope recording goes smoothly and please let me know when it's completed and you are next playing live. Nice to meet you all and thanks for letting me know about this gig fellas.

The curse of the Black Horse unfortunately accounted for Start The Hourglass, but they battled on undaunted and you have to admire bands who want to play intricate music these days in a world of ever-increasing speed and extremity. Hugely enjoyable sets from Overproof and Ultio, two bands I'm looking forward to meeting up with, and reviewing again, soon.