Visible Noise's latest next-big-nu-metal-things, Kilkus, face a tough challenge at The Borderline. It's a sweatbox of a venue better known for a rather more laid back brand of music and isn't exactly prepared for this gang of hyper crunchcore performance artists.
Boasting a few members clearly not in possession of their full faculties, the stage is barely able to contain the band's uniquely energetic show. But, add a rather subdued audience to the mix and we could have a problem.
Opening with a blistering boyband-on-acid, sample-fuelled instrumental/dance number by the clearly bonkers Edo Trousse, the crowd should be captivated. Unfortunately, sound trouble rears its ugly head making Chris Macaree's usually sublime vocals almost inaudible. Still, even if it's not to be the best of Kilkus gigs, it's still fresh, energetic and exciting to watch.
'My Tomorrow Started Yesterday' and 'Oxygen' kick like the proverbial, but fail to ignite the crowd with their usual ease. 'Oxygen' provokes the kind of chaotic and euphoric on-stage action rarely seen since punk's hey-day but it doesn't rub-off on the crowd.
The sound gradually comes together for 'Spherical Line' and 'Pattern of Self Design' and the welcome addition of an audible vocal shifts things up a gear. The soothing 'September', with its unaccompanied intro' is an indication that former guitarist turned singer Macaree is going to melt hearts with his syrupy vocals in the future. It's still blinkin' noisy, but in a syrupy, heart-melting kind of a way.
On another night, and with another bunch of folks in front of them, this would have been a truly special set.
