GIGS IN JUNE 2006
NICALS, BODMIN (29TH JUNE)

STEEL SPECTRUM AND MUTUAL FLAME
(Reviewed by Akos)

Something's stirring in Bodmin. The local music scene has been struggling against both geography and local apathy in recent years, but the emergence of a new breed of young bands and the launching of the "Summer Nights @ Nicals" gigs seems to be changing that. Opening night saw locals Steel Spectrum, in only their second live show, paired with Penwith's rising stars Mutual Flame.

The five-piece began their set in front of a good-sized crowd of around 50, their dextrous intensity quickly impressing. "Last Bullet" amply displayed MF's distinctive sound, with a glacial classic rock intro giving way to pummelling metal; a melodic, distorted blend recalling Iron Maiden and "One"-era Metallica, but with a hyperactive melodic burst echoing (whisper it quietly) early MCR. Set highlight "Malady In Red", another song from
their sold-out first EP "Versailles Rising", rides the crest of Jack Stevens' heartbeat bassline, and is at once moving in its tragic beauty, as well as a veritable paradise for air guitarists. Ben Farmer's voice is consistently striking in its versatility - veering from ethereal murmur to impassioned wail. Despite recently losing a guitarist, it was actually
difficult to tell much difference, and the Nicals crowd were certainly appreciative. They sold a few more copies of second EP "Vermillion Hymns", too. This band is surely destined to bathe much bigger venues in their enormous sound.

Steel Spectrum was the major draw here, however, and they did not disappoint. Still a relatively new band, their set was comprised entirely of covers, and they produced some very satisfying takes on Nirvana's "Polly" and The Offspring's "Original Prankster", among others. Technically they excelled, particularly guitarist James Lakey, who reworked some of the most famous riffs of all time in his own inimitable style, and it will certainly be interesting to hear the original material they are currently working on
in time for their next Summer Nights @ Nicals headline slot on July 27th. Steel Spectrum closed the main part of their set with Bloodhound Gang's "Fire Water Burn", a song I must admit I hate. However, their throbbing version was infinitely better than the original, creating a heaving, sweaty moshpit in front of the band, joined by vocalist Matt Pooley. The impact of this was significant enough to provoke the crowd into demanding an encore, and the local heroes were only too happy to oblige.

There's still some way to go before Bodmin has a real local music scene, but nights like this will certainly help.