Words and Photos : RBY
There was a lot more happening than we could cover at this years Diversion Festival. We missed the Friday events and the earlier events in the Doghouse Record shop upstairs from the Salty Dog but still managed to get to the main Saturday and Sunday gigs. A lot of bands to cover and each deserves more words than is allowed in this review but enough to say that there was not a bad moment and Rare Vitamin Records, the Salty Dog team and Doghouse Records put on a great event with all the bands of the highest quality.
The Saturday was at the more punkier end of the scale apart from the the first band we caught. The stunning Half Court, a full on shoegaze experience with an intense vibe. They had the many layers of dreamy echoey sounds going on but there was an excitement emanating from the stage that made you sit up and take notice as they played.
Next up were Oh Sees lovers Q.U.A.L.M.S who’s non stop high energy set with precise thrashy drumming, full on guitar riffing and energetic vocals changed the tempo of the evening dramatically. Its upbeat, in your face and fully immersive music. Your feet will tap.
Pizza Tramp are an experience. The South Wales based group have travelled long miles and some have turned up straight from a stag do (maybe). Alcohol seems to figure large in their on stage humour but they don’t play like they are drunk. Their hardcore punk is a joy when they play a full song, stage banter does feature large in their set and it’s often funny and it definitely unites the crowd.
Grail Guard seem to be making waves lately and with their mixture of straight ahead hard edged punk and political messages its not hard to see why. An experience for sure and one that involved much invasion of the audience space and reciprocated moshing around. A blur of fast movement and loud pervasive sound that added to the overwhelming feeling of seeing something special.
Final band of the Saturday was local favourites Kicked in the Teeth. Why this band aren’t huge already I don’t know. The invade your consciousness with a mixture of loud fast and extremely catchy songs that just doesn’t let up. Loud, fast, Motorhead meets hardcore punk with a huge metal influence. Just perfect.
First band we caught on the Sunday was The Whalleys. Their colourful updated 60s garage sound and cool vibe just added to a confident and excellent performance. Fascinating to see and equally raw and slick. Fabulous musicianship and delivering rather ace song after ace song.
Gas Kunst – for whom todays Kunst Fest is named are suffering from a vocalist who’s voice has been worn out from repeated gigs. He wears gaffer tape over his mouth and the hits energetic rhythm guitar while their lead guitarist takes over the main vocal duties. This is a band in their prime and this gig, played to a packed and supportive room sees them rise to the occasion. Its stellar performance delivered flawlessly with and adrenalin packed energy and great music.
Headliners The DSM IV take the sound in a different direction. Razor sharp guitar riffs, keyboards and drum machines that deliver fascinating rhythms and sounds and a front person who transfixes the audience. By the time the vocalist disappears out of the front door into the street and the band move off the stage they’ve made their mark. Passionate music delivered with an energy and conviction rarely seen.
Links
Half Court: Spotify / Instagram
Q.U.A.L.M.S: Instagram / Bandcamp
Pizza Tramp: Web / Instagram / Facebook / Spotify
Grail Guard: Facebook / Instagram / Facebook / Spotify
Kicked in the Teeth: Instagram / Facebook / Spotify
The Whalleys: Instagram
Gas Kunst: Instagram / Facebook / Spotify
The DSM IV: Web / Facebook / Instagram / Spotify