Narc. Magazine Online
Reliably informed
Damian Robinson enjoys a night of perfectly performed doomy rock
Image: Blackwater Holylight by Damian Robinson
Mixing deathcore with nu-metal, Newcastle-based Misery Channel open up tonight’s show with a solid, ruthless, performance. Taking elements from recent EP release Loveless, the band’s set is strong and clearly well rehearsed as they produce a tight, musically comprehensive live show. Formed from a collection of disbanded local acts, it’s great to see the players in Misery Channel remaining resilient and come back seemingly stronger and hungrier than before.
Riding their momentum, Blackwater Holylight jump straight into their blend of hard, edgy, grungy, emo rock. Based around effects pedals and feedback, the trio maintain a distant, almost Mazzy Starr/Dolores O’Riordan aspect to their live sound – they’re in the room, and they’re loud, but there’s a veil between them and the audience – something dreamlike. Stand out track Fade captures the essence of the band perfectly – particularly star performer Katt Garrigan, whose drumming forms a solid, almost Glittter-band base for the interplay of Sunny Faris and Mikayla Mayhew’s bass and guitar work. Getting heavier as the set progresses, and with very little audience participation, it’s clear that the trio are here to play – not to pander – to their audience.
