Battles/Prefuse 73 - Manchester Academy

Before the gig even started Prefuse 73 sent out a "test beep" just to make sure all their kit was working correctly I guess. "...oh fuck" muttered the guy standing next to me as the nosebleed inducing pulse of sound hit us. Realising this could mean the kind of sonic trouble not seen since the vomit inducing volume created by The Swans in the mid-eighties. I tried edge my way back through the crowd but was wedged solid. Thankfully their set didn't make me nauseous, quite the reverse, I really enjoyed the mix of heady post-Endtroducing abstract beats - although the set didn't have enough light and shade to really make the most of the crescendos.

Battles didn't disappoint. For those that haven't heard them they are pretty hard to pin down, and are actually one of the few bands out their really doing something a bit different. Their music combines elements of prog, hardcore and hiphop beats. Here is what Wikipedia has to say about them.

"The group's line-up is composed of well-known musicians, including ex-Helmet drummer John Stanier, ex-Don Caballero guitarist Ian Williams, ex-Lynx guitarist Dave Konopka, and Tyondai Braxton (son of avant-garde jazz musician Anthony Braxton), who also plays guitar and keyboard and creates live voice samples."

If you get the chance, check these guys out ... infact do it now on YouTube