Is there any more fun to be drawn from rap/rock? Judging by Hyro Da Hero, the answer is ?Fun, yes. Essential music, perhaps not.? This is the straighter end of alt/noise rock (think a less experimental At the Drive-In) with rapping over the top rather that the normal approach of recreating hip-hop?s bounce and swing with live instruments.
A welcome change on a rainy morning after all the white men shouting, but ultimately inconsequential.
Norway?s Kvelertak describe themselves as Black n? Roll, and it's a good a label as any. Rock n? Roll with metal vocals. Like a less-pantomime Turbonegro, they sound like Satan?s favourite blues band. Another feather in Scandinavia?s already feather-stuffed cap.
We stick around for Gwar as it would foolish not to. We hope we can be forgiven for not paying too much attention to the thrash/hardcore music they were making. This was the first time we've seen them so we were too busy enjoying the violence and blood-letting on stage. People were stabbed, monsters disembowelled and the Queen had her breasts cut off.
A memorable afternoon?s entertainment.
It's easy to see why Frank Turner is such a divisive figure. He lacks any of the detached cool of more traditional alternative icons and his lyrics are so humble and earnest he makes Kermit the Frog sound like the Ol? Dirty Bastard.
What is less obvious is why metallers ?get? him, but get them they do. Maybe it's the lack of cynicism with which they approach their music? Either way, if you're prepared to experience sentiment and an anger sprinkled with optimism then there's enjoyment of a very affecting sort to be had from Frank live.
Songs from the new album England Keep My Bones sound promising after his last album?s disappointing lack of hooks, and Photosynthesis with its rousing choruses is a fine way to end the weekend.
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