#middlenamekill

With two of the three events on the Sunday of Smile Fringe being cancelled last minute, all eyes were on the Freeze The Atlantic show at The Cellar. Not only was this the only event now happening, but Freeze The Atlantic also contain former Reuben and Hundred Reasons members. 

We arrived in a dimly lit room, definitely the perfect setting for a great rock show - it was then over to the bands to give us one.  

  First up were Southampton based Satellites, the band make a steady start, showing off their brand of rock; thumping bass and high gain guitars with a deep male voice. After the first song nothing jumps out and hits you in the face even if you’re willing them to hurt you, however they immediately launch into a more upbeat track which actually has some great melody hooks. The bands influences include Reuben and they are clearly honoured to be sharing the stage with the ex member. Later on into the set lead singer Kenny does make an effort to interact with the crowd, which doesn't go unnoticed but the lack of on stage presence leaves the audience giving a subdued reaction. 

Satellites 

Tattoos, skinheads and four beefy looking guys, that would be the best way to describe second act Middlenamekill. When hearing the band name and matching that with the image, it’s easy to fit them with a common metal stereotype, however the band dive into a series of uptempo and sometimes catchy tunes. As the set went on I couldn’t help feeling aged 15 again. The deep, sustained riffs alternate between a sound not to dissimilar to that of Deftones or any Nu-Metal from the late 90’s or early 00’s and very early Fall Out Boy, this suggests a range of influences which has lead to a slightly confused sound. Middlenamekill come to the end of a very well rehearsed set and the crowd seem genuinely impressed, probably reminiscing about what they were doing 10 years ago. 

  When attending a live gig, members of the crowd don’t always take notice of a band during the setting up periods in between acts, maybe rightly so, why should they? It was hard not to pay attention to The Light Divided however, who were jamming and playing about on their instruments before properly starting their set. This is somewhat amateur for a band sub headlining a show, maybe more expected from bands who are playing their first gig -but let’s move on from that and talk about the music. When The Light Divided eventually begin we hear some great use of vocal harmonies over thunderous riffs and ‘chuggy’ beat-downs. Keeping in with the theme of the night so far there are of course guitar solos like it was 1986, but these are done well, only sounding cheesy at times. The band brought a little more in terms of musical light and shade compared to the other two supports which was very refreshing, and there was also the use of impressive gang shouts and Billy Talent style triple threat vocal attacks. The crowd in The Cellar are still yet to fully commit but The Light Divided can rock it bad ass when they want too, and were worthy sub headliners tonight. 

  Up until this point, although with moments of great musicality, none of the acts had managed to fully engage with the audience who were left wanting that little bit extra. It was now over the the eagerly anticipated Freeze The Atlantic to try to fulfill these expectations.