The After Affect / Her Dark Embrace/ Rhinovirus
Where: The Croft // When: 09/07/2012
by
Max Barter
Photos by Will Brookes
It's a Monday night and surely you'd have nothing better to do than catch some underground talent in the heart of Bristol. The venue is the Croft where such talents as Devil Sold His Soul, Deez Nuts and Johnny Truant once destroyed. But this gig is something different, mellower yet just as rare. The atmosphere outside is moggy - something we once called summer. Despite the pitiful weather conditions, it’s all about the bands playing, which could grow to become your new favourites for 2012.
First band of the night is Bristol's own The Rhinovirus, who play a short set of speedy indie, perhaps even pop rock. With the majority of the members looking as if they should be playing in a thrash metal band the music doesn't quite suit appearances, apart from vocalist Joey Vanzetti who's supporting the indie/emo look, but his rather feminine voice soothes the crowd into convincing us we're not sure what we're actually listening to.
www.facebook.com/therhinovirusband
If The Rhinovirus haven't convinced you that this is a rock show then Her Dark Embrace will clearly do so. Again hailing from Bristol, Her Dark Embrace play goth hard-rock at its finest. Getting the females of the crowd to boogie is not an easy task, but somehow the task is met all the way throughout the set. Frontman Will Brookes' mic stand covered in what could be Christmas decorations changing from blue to red may be just one of the reasons this band have injected their passion into the crowd. The real highlight of the set is the use of synths done by keyboardist, Mr. Maddox - who is dressed to impress, nearly resembling the Beethoven look.
www.facebook.com/herdarkembrace
If its metal you've come for, it's metal you'll get. The main event is Hungerford's The After Affect who play a decent amount of genre defying metalcore. Their mix of melodic and vicious guitar riffs, along with clean vocals that burst into forceful screams are enough to tear the venue in two. Day four of their first ever UK headline tour and the band show no signs of retreat, despite most likely sleeping in a van. With quick interactions among the crowd about how they had to travel to Scotland for another set on their tour they do not waste time in playing their self-titled EP, plus new tracks which go down a treat. 'Thousand Voices' brings out the compassionate side of their talents whilst new track, 'The Unknown' bellows with ferocity, finally winning over the crowd and erupting into a small, yet effective mosh pit. The After Affect's impressive set was none short of interesting, and they'll surely be a band to watch out for in future events.
